subject: Creating Group Work in an Online Classroom Environment [print this page] Creating Group Work in an Online Classroom Environment
The online classroom presents unique challenges and opportunities for the process of learning. One of the challenges that instructors face is developing collaboration in this environment. Discussion boards are utilized within most online classroom environments as a means of replicating the traditional classroom model of interactive discussions. From your experience as an online instructor, do you find that participation within discussion question threads is enough to promote collaboration and a sense of community? Creating group assignments may not seem like a natural fit for the online environment; however, there are many potential benefits that could be realized if the right conditions are established.
What a Group Can Accomplish
Many students that take online classes are considered to be non-traditional students or working adults, which means that they understand the importance of taking responsibility for their work. Class discussions provide them with an opportunity to interact and share their ideas, knowledge, and experiences. The development of group projects or assignments can enhance this interactive process by requiring students to produce a written product or reach a conclusion about a relevant issue or topic. Group assignments are likely to require students to utilize skills necessary for academic and professional development, including communication, negotiation, compromise, delegation, and consensus-building.
Other Benefits of Group Work
When students are assigned to a group and given a problem or issue to resolve it will also encourage critical thinking skills and influence cognitive development, especially when they are working on something that is related to their career or other relevant situations. Students gain other real-world benefits because they will be working as a team and utilizing project management skills, which are also utilized in the workplace. When students are addressing issues relevant to their professional needs they are also likely to be engaged in the group and the process of learning.
Creating a Structure for Group Work
A challenge for the implementation of group assignments in an online environment results from the lack of face-to-face interaction, which can affect students' participation in the group. A common method of addressing this issue is to have group members sign a team contract that holds each student accountable for equal participation and contribution to the project. There may also be initial resistance from students who do not like to work in a group setting because of prior experiences or their preferred learning style. It becomes important then to explain the purpose and potential benefits of group work, while also helping students find ways of interacting that are convenient to their schedule. For example, students may use synchronous technology tools such as instant message or live chat. Students can also utilize asynchronous forms of communication that would include e-mail and threads posted within the classroom.
The Instructor's Role
One of the most important aspects for the successful development of group projects is the role that the instructor takes in the process. An instructor needs to provide a working time line, project deadlines and learning objectives; while establishing ground rules and expectations. A proactive approach to facilitation of group work includes providing direction, guidance, and feedback throughout the entire development of the group and their deliverables. Group work can contribute to the interactive process of adult learning by encouraging students to utilize skills that are relevant to their academic and professional development. This can be accomplished in an online classroom if the instructor establishes an environment that is conducive to collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
