Can I run a combined virtual class session?

Occasionally, a combined virtual class session is desired. For instance, if an Instructor has two sections of the same course but only wants to hold one weekly session for both Section 1 and Section 2. Unfortunately, we cannot just add the students from the Section 2 Classlist into Section 1's Teams group because they get removed each day when Teams and Brightspace sync. Accessing recordings for Section 2 also needs to be addressed. Here is the full process:

Set up Section 1 Teams group using the Brightspace “Microsoft Teams” widget

1. Set up Section 1 Teams group as described in Task 2 - Steps 1 through 3 in the article: How do I add my virtual class sessions with Microsoft Teams?
   • All of the students on the Section 1 Classlist will automatically have access to group chat, recordings, and recurring sessions.
   • **You will be creating your recurring virtual class session here in Section 1 Teams group.
2. DO NOT create a Teams group for Section 2. They will be added as "required attendees" in the Section 1 virtual sessions.

Schedule your recurring session in Section 1 Teams group + add Section 2 Classlist as “required attendees”

1. From inside the Section 1 Teams group, use Schedule a meeting in the top right to set up recurring sessions. DO NOT create in the Calendar icon from the left menu as it takes you outside of this Course Team to your Personal Calendar.
   
2. Create a recurring session including all pertinent details (title, initial date/time, recurrence length and frequency, and message/details).
3. Add each student on your Section 2 Classlist to the “Add required attendees" area.
   
4. Review all details and Send.
   • This sends an email invite to all of your Section 1 students automatically, AND to all of the Section 2 students that you added as required attendees. 
   • **Be mindful of “late comers” to your Section 2 Classlist. You will need to add them to the recurring session!
5. All students can access these recurring virtual class sessions from Teams > Calendar, Outlook > Calendar, or from invite email if kept.
   • We recommend that students RSVP to the meeting invite email.
     
   • Or from the Calendar event
     

**Posting an Announcement with the link into Section 2 is also recommended for easy access. But remember, if you have not added Section 2 students as “Required attendees,” they will be unable to access the link.

Managing Recordings

1. Section 1 students can access recordings automatically from this Teams group > Files > Recordings.
   
2. Section 2 will require the instructor to download the recording from the Section 1 Teams group.
   
3. Then, Upload the mp4 file to Brightspace in Section 2 > Virtual Classroom module. Rename for clarity.