Course instructors can deploy groups in 3 ways; self-enrol, manual enrol, and random enrol. Once a grouping mode is decided upon, the instructor is given the options of deploying specific tools (e.g. wiki) for each group. These smaller learning groups are then able to work collaboratively using a set of specific tools or resources, entirely separate from other groups. Blackboard groups can reflect existing tutorial groups, and therefore provides a means of managing support online to blend with the existing face to face contact.
If you want to allocate certain resources to specific groups, you should use the adaptive release function. This is especially useful if you have staff and students sharing a course, containing specific information for each group.