Ben commented on Group 2 and Group 4
Chris commented on Group 2 and 4
Mary commented on Groups 3 and 5
Rob commented on Group 4& 5
During the month of March, Group One members submitted our second paper and received high marks based upon meeting the expectations of the assignment and creating a cohesive paper. The group was able to produce a quality document by involving the members in each stage. One member had to be out of town during a period of the paper and he was able to do his part by providing research on the front end of the paper. Again, we chose to divide our team into two groups and merge our thoughts. This has been effective in producing our needed content, but requires us to do extensive revision to make the paper flow. This appears to be a necessary byproduct in the process. We have had good idea generation and continue to use technology (Google Hangouts, email, text, phone calls, and Ebsco Host folder sharing) for communication, research and document sharing. We have been trying to use the strength of each group member to meet our needs. Some of us are better at technology, some at research and some at writing and revision. Thus, we have helped each other in our respective areas.
Chris commented on Group 2 and 4
Mary commented on Groups 3 and 5
Rob commented on Group 4& 5
During the month of March, Group One members submitted our second paper and received high marks based upon meeting the expectations of the assignment and creating a cohesive paper. The group was able to produce a quality document by involving the members in each stage. One member had to be out of town during a period of the paper and he was able to do his part by providing research on the front end of the paper. Again, we chose to divide our team into two groups and merge our thoughts. This has been effective in producing our needed content, but requires us to do extensive revision to make the paper flow. This appears to be a necessary byproduct in the process. We have had good idea generation and continue to use technology (Google Hangouts, email, text, phone calls, and Ebsco Host folder sharing) for communication, research and document sharing. We have been trying to use the strength of each group member to meet our needs. Some of us are better at technology, some at research and some at writing and revision. Thus, we have helped each other in our respective areas.
We have
found that time constraints and different time zones can be a challenge, but this
the reality of our modern world. We have been able to be flexible so that all
can contribute and participate. One of
the best attributes this group has it that we use technology to share and everybody
is responsive in the time it takes to reply.
If we did not check our emails regularly, we would not be efficient in
this manner. The group has been very
open minded in selecting areas that interest individuals and we have been able
to learn from each other in a cooperative setting.
We are
currently working on our third paper and are using the systems we have put in
place to go through the process of developing a finished product. We have found that we need to be schedule
rough drafts earlier so that we have adequate time to share the documents with
each other. We are continuing to use
technology and this has been a strong point for the group. We have tried to advance our APA knowledge,
and post everything in the proper places.
At this point, the workload has been divided equally and we are in the
process of merging our papers and completing the comparison of organizations.
For example, get everyone’s input and to avoid duplication
of effort on the March monthly summary, we forwarded the draft in this manner. Rob
wrote the summary with input from the group.
Rob passed it to Mary, Mary to Chris, Chris to Ben, and Ben to Mary who posted
the edited and revised summary in the Blog.
Group 1. Yes, timezone differences can be a big challenge in coordinating group projects. In my group we've experienced the same sort of difficulty in differing spring breaks. Most of us in the class work within education. My group partner is a high school teacher and his spring break was during the time our most recent assignment was to be due. He was headed out of the country. We had to plan far in advance, but we got it done.- Thanks for the post- Keith
ReplyDeleteKeith - One thing I've always liked about the monthly summaries is even though we're all working on different topics for our papers and assignments, it seems as though we have the same basic struggles. It makes me feel more connected to everyone else when my only real interaction is via the discussion boards.
ReplyDeleteBen- Good point. Group 4 has dwindled down to just two members. We began the semester with four. I likely take for granted the convenience of dealing within a small group. When I need to contact Kyle, I email or call one person. Your group has remained full which has its advantages and disadvantages. Advantage, the work load is less. Disadvantage, communicating can be a struggle. Seems to me you all (group 1) has had solid communication with all parties "bought in" to the process.- Thanks for the response- Keith
ReplyDeleteOur group has kind of broken down into two groups of two. We all talk with each other, but Chris and I usually work together, and Rob and Mary work together, to get our respective pieces of the group work done. So far it seems to be a good system.
DeleteOur group has kind of broken down into two groups of two. We all talk with each other, but Chris and I usually work together, and Rob and Mary work together
Delete----- This is really an interesting and creative system!
Bo
Time zones is something that I never would have thought about when it came to group work. But I guess when are taking an online course that is something you have to deal with. Overall it was a very well written summary.
ReplyDeleteIt's really cool how you decided to split the group down. It seems your group utilizes different avenues of communication. It's interesting to me to see how often and extensively groups collaborate. Antonette and I just send a few emails here and there. We are lucky that our writing style is similar, and we seem to have similar needs as far as communication goes. I am impressed by your thorough communication and revision processes.
ReplyDeleteOne thing we've been using to help with communication is Google. We have a document in Google drive right now which we are working on as a group, we use Google hangouts to have text-based conversations which are archived for later referencing, and have also used our gmail accounts to email each other.
DeleteAgain, we chose to divide our team into two groups and merge our thoughts. This has been effective in producing our needed content, but requires us to do extensive revision to make the paper flow. This appears to be a necessary byproduct in the process. We have had good idea generation and continue to use technology (Google Hangouts, email, text, phone calls, and Ebsco Host folder sharing) for communication, research and document sharing. We have been trying to use the strength of each group member to meet our needs. Some of us are better at technology, some at research and some at writing and revision. Thus, we have helped each other in our respective areas.
ReplyDelete----- Very impressive! You set up a good model for group collaboration!
Bo
I apologize up front for the late response to your monthly summary as I have had some health issues lately and trying to play catch up:)
ReplyDeleteI am really impressed by the description of how your group works so well together. It must be really difficult to organize a time to discuss things together, especially when you have someone in a different time zone. I am also impressed by the different types of technology your group uses in order to work together. Good Job.
Hope you're doing better, Petra. The group dynamic definitely takes some work and flexibility, but fortunately we've found an efficient way to complete our assignments.
Delete