College Success Skills: Online collaboration

Online meetings

When working collaboratively it is useful to have online meetings where you can make decisions, divide tasks and share progress. You may need to initially get in contact with each other via Canvas messages, especially if you have not already decided on how to keep in touch. When choosing the style of meetings you want to use, you will need to decide between synchronous meetings and or asynchronous meetings. 

Synchronous meetings mean you will all be logged in talking at the same time. Technologies like Skype, FaceTime, Zoom and Google Hangouts support this. To make the most of these meetings, everyone will need speakers and a microphone. If you choose to, you can also share webcams which can make communication feel more natural and human. If you have people in your group who are shy, they may just want to text type which is also fine. 

Asynchronously meetings mean everyone will contribute at different times. Technologies like Canvas messages, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and iMessage support this. Other students in your group may have a preference for these kinds of meetings, especially if they have work or other commitments. 

Getting collaboration right

Just as with face:face collaboration, it is really important to communicate effectively and professionally. You should ensure everyone in your group has a role, and takes responsibility for doing what is required. When decisions are made, you should record them and everyone in the group should stick to them.