There are many excellent tools that help make it easier to communicate with professors and classmates regarding projects and class topics. Let’s say that you are taking an online course and a group project is assigned. This can seem daunting at first on how to communicate and collaborate with all group members. First it is important to remember that emails should remain professional as you are not text messaging so include a subject line, describe attachments, conclude with a signature, and perhaps most importantly, don’t overanalyze. The E-Learning Companion (2014) points out that there are no non-verbal cues so one must remember to clarify with a peer before assuming (p.175-176).
Now one might question what to write in your initial email to your group members. I suggest looking to the E-Learning Companion which offers ideas of how to introduce yourself, provide contact information, and identify group roles (p.180). The next obstacle to overcome as an online group is how to best collaborate in creating the project. Google docs facilitates group projects allowing group members to post a PowerPoint, excel sheet, or word document so that all members can access and contribute. This saves time and headaches when trying to collaborate via the web. Here is a video that thoroughly explains how to use Google docs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRqUE6IHTEA&feature=youtu.be
One of the best ways to establish online relationships with your professor, classmates, and group members is through blog posts. Blog posts are a way for people to participate in meaningful discussions over the web. The E-Learning Companion mentions how “peer feedback is likely the most helpful yet underutilized tool available to students” (p.131). I suggest you read your classmates’ posts and provide insightful responses. This establishes peer relationships as well as a helpful online learning community. When writing blog posts, remember to remain professional to ensure credibility and positivity. This is called netiquette. The following article explains blogs and their importance. http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7006.pdf
Good luck in applying your communication and collaborating tips for the web!