No one can underestimate the benefits of team work. Team or group work has its personal and group advantages. Group work teaches self-discipline, commitment, and respect. In addition, group work breaks complex tasks, allows diverse views, and establishes a shared identity between students. We are asked today to describe our experience in working with our group in this course, and how to assess group work and group members in a distance learning environment.
We were asked to record a voice thread for our group activity. We had to come up with an activity that serves a specific communication mode and then take turns in recording it using voice thread. One of the challenges that we faced as a group is getting everybody together at the specified time. Once most of us were there, another problem was being able t stay there due to poor internet connections. I liked how each member was assigned to do one part of the project which made it easier. The challenges were basically around having everyone present so we can assign the roles. We over come this problem by assigning roles any way and sending an email to participants with the roles of each one.
When considering developing group activities in distance learning environments we have to put in mind assigning different types of activities in order to cover the three modes of communication. When assessing the group activity: First, if the work is done on time, then that's a plus. Second, if every group member participated in the activity. Third, if the content was correct. It is also beneficial to encourage peer help between members of each group. This will help with assessing the group work.
I really liked the positive way that you started your post were you addressed the advantages of group work. Your writing made me think that we should always have a clear plan a head of time for all the activities that we are planning to do. This includes the objectives, clear timeline and break down of the assignment, peer reflection/evaluation rubric and group work rubric.
ReplyDeleteSalaam from NJ to Jeddah! Just like Lulu Mustafa put it, I also admire your positive view regarding team work. I always enjoy team work with both its advantages and challenges. I believe that challenges are opportunities to gain more knowledge and sharpen currant skills. Said that, I hope you accept my feedback regarding the challenges you faced in your group activity. I found that taking initiative in helping the team focus on the task on hand was a great way to save time and increase productivity. By suggesting to members a daily summary regarding the progress of the activity , it gave us all the sense of where we are and what was left to be taken care of and by whom. It created a clear vision about the project status and kept everyone updated. Once we notice that there was a delay from any member, we reach to him / her immediately and offer to help to assure that we stay on task. I wish you all the best & I look forward to reading more in your blog.
ReplyDeleteDear Lulu and Raneen,
ReplyDeleteYour words made me re-read the first part of my blog :) Thanks you for commenting on that.