Group projects are not the most fun thing and online group projects have even more challenges. Read on to find out how you can conquer these challenges in a virtual and physical team!
Working Virtually Managing People for Successful Virtual Teams and Organizations by
Virtual working is a fact of life as companies manage teams of individuals dispersed on sites across the country or around the globe; take increasing advantage of improving technology and software to telecommute and teleconference; and begin to think about the human element in disaster recovery. The key to successful dispersed working is not technological expertise, but a clear understanding of what it takes to get the enterprise ready for virtual work, and of the skills for bonding individuals into cohesive, high-performance teams across distances and differences. This book provides that guidance - through work charts, vivid "composite" examples, definitions and actual cases - and shows how the technological tools support and expand the options for collaboration. It answers such critical questions as "What makes working virtually work?", "How do we start?", "How do you develop new leaders in a virtual environment?", "What skills do virtual managers and team members need?", "How do you determine how ready they are?", "Which technologies are most appropriate for your purposes?", "What's the impact on existing systems and structures?" This book is an indispensable practical guide and reference for virtual team leaders, HR managers, CEO's and trainers. It will also be suitable for professional certification and business courses in organizational development.
The Human Side of Virtual Work: Managing Trust, Isolation, and Presence by
The virtual work world is upon us. It is ever increasing as both workers and organizations become more familiar with this new structure. The way leaders and managers deal with the virtual worker will become increasingly more important. This book takes a look at the virtual work environment from a view of human perceptions. Trust, isolation, and presence are the three main human perceptions discussed throughout the book and are the foundation for the theory presented. The Change-Self-Efficacy Loop Theory provides the basis for a new tool to maximize the productivity level of the virtual worker. The book takes a journey from the industrial revolution through a second shift or technology revolution which we are currently experiencing known as the virtual work environment. It presents argument and ideas to encourage all of us to take action now to prevent the potential negative outcomes that could affect many working in the virtual work environment. The book is designed for anyone associated with the virtual work environment. Based on the premise that the virtual work environment needs to be a productive alternative to the traditional work environment, the book focuses on variables that can create the most successful outcome.
Wondering how you can meet your group mates online and better collaborate with them outside of the classroom? Here are the top 5 tools and apps that can help you discuss, allocate tasks and efficiently collaborate with your group mates!
1. Microsoft Teams (Highly Recommended!)
Microsoft Teams is your hub for teamwork. Whether it's a team of 10 or 10,000, you can chat, meet, call and collaborate from anywhere. In teams, you can access, share and edit on Words doc, Powerpoint and Excel files in real-time.
Get a quick start on Microsoft Teams! Use it for your group discussions and collaboration. Got a question? This FAQ on Microsoft Teams may help!
2. Zoom (Highly Recommended!)
You will use Zoom quite often for attending your classes or other webinars! Campus-wide licensed Zoom accounts are available to you, through which you can host a meeting of up to 300 participants.
Check out this Zoom Quick Guide for Students! For Zoom common troubleshooting, click here.
3. Google Apps
G Suite is a suite of cloud computing, productivity and collaboration tools, software and products developed by Google. Through your SMU email address, you will be able to access these tools and consolidate your works effortlessly.
How do I log into Google Apps?
4. Telegram
Telegram is the most used messaging app by students in SMU. It is often used for group projects, online collaborations or simply for entertainment use! Telegram's cloud service allows users to send, access and download files from any platform device with ease. Moreover, you may make use of its tools - such as creating polls for efficient decision making among your peers.
There are some bots you can use as well (Type these into your Telegram search bar and they will show up!):
@countmeinbot: Create polls
@SMUTimetableBot: Find common free time slots within your group and check on your upcoming lessons and exams
5. Asana
Asana is designed to help teams organise, track and manage your work. With its customisable and user friendly page, Asana will be a great tool for you to manage your project timeline. In essence, it acts as an online calendar for you and your team. Asana is available both as a mobile phone application and on the web.
Need more information? Click on the image to find out 8 tips to successful virtual team meetings!
To start off working in groups:
What matters for project planning:
Teamwork is collaborating and coordinating with people of all backgrounds, where cultural barriers and different end goals would always act as hindrances. However, the above needs to be resolved as teaming is a necessary skill in today's world. To do so, let's:
What makes a successful team:
To achieve the above: