| Syllabus |
Early in the term, your instructor will assign you to a group based on the survey/fact sheet and narrative biography you submit during the first week. Typically, there will be three groups composed of a mix of capabilities. Once these groups have been formed, each group should meet to decide how to fill specific roles for that group. Since both Projects 3 and 5 are group efforts (though Project 5 has an Individual component described below). It is essential that each group organize ALL group activities and assign specific roles. Here is a list of possible roles:
You may decide that Projects 3 and 5 need separate roles, or that
Project 5 needs fewer roles. The mix of roles is entirely up to the group
(and, eventually, the group leader).
Group Activities for Project 5 (discussion): Three times during the term we will all participate in a discussion hosted by one of the three groups for this class. Your instructor will lead the first Class Discussion to demonstrate how to lead a discussion. Of course, I am anxious for you to demonstrate your willingness to take responsibility for your own education and to exercise your critical voice. (See a more detailed description of this project accessed from the course syllabus).
Group Activities for Project 3 (proposal): Very early in the term, you must meet (either electronically or in-person based on the Group assignment made by your instructor) to assign these roles, select a proposal topic, and develop of schedule. Once that occurs, the group leader(s) should send a copy of all of this information to the instructor. In addition, each group must submit two progress reports as indicated in the Course Calendar. (See a more detailed description of this project accessed from the course syllabus).
You should remember that group effort will be considered in your individual final course evaluation. It is NOT the responsibility of only the Group Leader to fulfill ALL (or any) of the group tasks. Assuming your share of ALL activities insures a good evaluation.
To organize your Groups activities, you should go to the Class Calendar, at the end of that document click on Click Here for Organizing Help! You can use this format to create a PERT Chart.
To succeed in this online course you need to have some idea about
collaboration. For some of you this change in learning and working habits
may be difficult to visualize; but, the idea of "telecommuting" is indeed
rapidly becoming a staple of the contemporary corporation. Even if you
do not have this kind of, admittedly novel and extreme, experience, you
will have to work with others, often. These "relationships" can vary in
both time and commitment. You might, for example, work on developing a
new product from conception through marketing; such a task could take many
years. Or you might devote a few hours per week as your share of another
project. Whatever the level of commitment, a fairly rich literature about
"long- and short-term relationships" can be found in the psychology literature.
Collaboration, by its very nature, is about getting along with people, orchestrating events, and managing resources. Quite often, it is the first of these--getting along with people--that offers the most difficulty. While I could repeat many of the platitudes from pop-psychology texts, I suggest you spend some time surveying this topic for yourself. But, given that escape clause, let me suggest a few resources.
How to Get Along With People You Can't Stand. One fact that frequently gets ignored about pop-psychology books is that they often have a substantial research portfolio behind them. This book belongs to that class. As you read, I am certain that you will find many of the "difficult" people and situations you have encountered in your working life. I also think you will find the suggested responses for handling these problems useful.
Games Your Mother Never Told You. Like the book above, this text provides a feminist focus to workplace problems. But, never underestimate a book's potential for addressing the needs of a wider audience. When I read this book, for example, I was struck by the validity of her thesis; I know nothing about sports and always felt disadvantaged by that ignorance. Now you'll have to read the book for yourself!
Computer-mediated Communication. This web site represents a first attempt at providing a forum for the discussion of issues emerging from the anonymous communication venue offered by electronic communication. While many people work with these technologies, they often fail to recognize their full potential.
More IMPORTANT help for creating useful electronic group interactions. Click Here (and use your browser's BACK button to return; just to prove you can do it!)
Working Collaboratively