Users can have different roles in Forum that grant specific capabilities inside and outside of the classroom. These roles can be assigned per section and per individual class session.

When a role is assigned to a user for a class, abilities and access related to that role only apply to that particular class. When a role is assigned to a user for a section, abilities and access associated with that role apply to all classes within that section.

This role allows the user to enter the classroom and participate in all classroom activities (such as polls and breakouts) and see class resources and assignments.

This role allows a user to enter the classroom and observe (see and hear) the class without being visible to participants. Observers see all classroom activities (such as polls and breakouts) but can not participate and cannot control any of the classroom activities. As an observer, the class chat feature is available and can be used to communicate with class participants if desired.

This role allows a user to enter the classroom with the same classroom controls as the Assistant, including the breakout control room. Instructors always appear on the participant bar, and have a star icon next to their name. Outside of the classroom, Instructors have access to the class edit page, and can assess polls, video, and assignments.

This role allows a user to enter the classroom with the same classroom controls as the Instructor, including the breakout control room. Assistants always appear on the participant bar, and have a star icon next to their name. Outside of the classroom, Assistants have access to the class edit page, and can assess polls, video, and assignments.

This role allows a user to enter the classroom and be visible, but TAs have the lowest priority for being shown on the top bar. TAs do not have access to the classroom controls but do go to the breakout control room during breakouts, where they can help the instructor and any assistants. Outside of the classroom, TAs do not have access to the class edit page, but can assess polls, video, and assignments. For more information, please refer to “What can a TA do?”

This role allows a user to enter the classroom and take over the instructor role if necessary. Outside of the classroom, the backup instructor can also perform enrollment changes and edit other class settings. See Backup Instructor Capabilities for more information.

This role allows a user to enter the classroom with all the same capabilities as an Instructor. Outside of the classroom, this role does not grant any access to the class edit page or grading. See How to Host a Guest Instructor for more information.