For the group project in this class, my group faced a few difficulties while trying to collaborate together effectively. The main difficulty was due to not getting to know each other before attempting to work on the project. According to “Getting the most from online learning: A learner’s guide,” by Carole Richardson, successful online group members need to get to know each other right away to become comfortable with each other’s online communication styles, and to be aware of the skills each member brings to the group, (Richardson, 146). My group did not try to get to know each other before jumping into the project, which led to communication issues and role confusion. My group initiated our first communication through Carmen Connect. Two of my group members were having technical issues, and they couldn’t get their microphones to work. These group members only typed out brief responses to questions posed by another group member and me. This complication made it harder to get to know these group members and figure out what roles they would serve in the group. The lack of communication with these two members and the technical issue also made me draw incorrect assumptions about these members. I inadvertently assumed these members were not technically savvy or highly-motivated. However, after taking our group notes and working on part of the project together on Google Docs, these members demonstrated they are hard-working individuals. I jumped to the wrong conclusion because my group and I did not take the time to get to know each other. Every issue our group has experienced thus far has really stemmed from not getting to know each other beforehand.
I have come up with some solutions to address my group not taking the time to getting to know each other before working on the project. One thing we should do is to re-introduce ourselves over Skype. Being able to see each other and communicate in a more personal way will allow us to more easily get to know each other and figure out each other’s skills and strengths. Another solution would be to use Carole Richardson’s “friendly and frivolous questions,” (Richardson, 147). These questions would help my group jump-start a conversation and learn more about each other. Going forward, I can add in mechanisms, like video chat through Skype, to ensure my group can more effectively communicate, collaborate and stay on task for future assignments.
With regard to technology, Google Docs, Carmen Connect and Skype will help my group facilitate processes in the future. I am very familiar with Google Docs. I can practice using Carmen Connect in the group meetings and class synchronous sessions, and I can practice using Skype to talk to my friends.