One of the largest barriers that online students have to overcome when learning how to function as an online student is participating in online group work. It’s difficult to work on a team with a group of people who you’ve never met, and mostly interact with virtually. This also quickly becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of online course work, since group projects allow students to get to know one another in a way that individual work and discussions doesn’t allow for. Debbie Morrison, an instructional design consultant who works with California State University, Fullerton’s online programs says that group assignments are beneficial because they create an environment that involves learning from peers and gaining additional perspectives on different subjects. 

However, it’s important to follow the following steps, as US News and World Report states, before starting online course group projects.

1. Determine which platforms to use to communicate:

There are many platforms that can be used to collaborate online. A very popular tool is Google Drive, which comes with collaborative document, spreadsheet and slideshow technology among other things. If someone in your group knows how to use Google Drive, this could make your lives much easier, but it’s quite easy to pick up, so check it out. For video capabilities, Skype is always a great option. Google provides a group video chatting service called Google Hangouts that proves very popular as well. 

2. Have group members introduce themselves to each other:

Just because this is an online project doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat your group members the same way that you would if it were an in-person project. Meet each other, learn about each others’ lives, and make real connections. This leads to a much more enjoyable experience, and to networking and job opportunities for after the job. Peer friendships certainly helped UGA online Masters in Food Technology alumna Caroline Morris and the network she created is still helping her today.

3. Discuss group members’ schedules and availability: 

Don’t forget about time zones, since you could be working from different states. Also, make sure you understand that the other members of the group have full lives, just like you. They have families and full time jobs and other commitments, so understand those when making plans. 

4. Create a calendar to track work and set benchmarks:

Have some sort of document or calendar that keeps track of all meetings and deadlines. Preprogram all meetings till the end, as well as benchmarks, so your group is keeping on track with the project, and a certain rhythm is created. Without this organization, the group work could become too complex too quickly, due to the nature of purely virtual communication. 

5. Designate a group member as project manager or editor:

Since no one is in the same location, having one point of organization really helps with online group work. This person does not have to bear the title for the entire semester, but your group can rotate who is the editor every week, so they can consolidate and organize work, checking that you have met all deadlines accurately. 

Original article was written by the US News and World Report.