There are many contributing factors that cause challenges when trying to start a collaborative assignment. Davis in Palloff and Pratt (2004) listed the following collaboration challenges, “Turf protection and mistrust, decision-making processes, limited resources, dropping out, reduced participation, broad representation, communication, solid leadership, time commitment” (p. 32). Palloff and Pratt compiled the following list to go along with the collaboration challenges: (a) individuals that play around, (b) computer problems, (c) class problems and/or restriction, (d) class setup, (e) staff and/or instructor’s problems, and (f) individual differences. The three collaboration challenges that I will focus on are (a) decision-making processes, (b) dropping out, and (c) communication.
Decision-making process is a very important role that everyone working together should take a part in. All the learners should have the opportunity to make decisions pertaining to the collaborative activity. Decision making should not be left up to just one person. Palloff and Pratt (2004) stated, “Decision-making processes: Groups need to determine how they will make decisions and hold to that process” (p. 32). Palloff and Pratt explained that in the very beginning it is important to discuss how the decisions will be made. This will certainly help with any confusion later. Learners should ask questions like: Does everyone need to agree with any decisions made? If most learners vote for something, does this mean that the change will be made (Palloff &Pratt, 2004)? Palloff and Pratt stated, “When leadership and decision making go well, collaborative processes go well” (p. 36). It is very important to settle all decision making questions in the beginning. Higgins (2007) explained some problems that could arise if it was not settled, “Driving a group of people to provide input, weigh benefits and costs, identify risks and ultimately make progress towards a goal can bring any project or team to a standstill” (p. 2).
Dropping out issues can leave a strain on the group. Once the learners have decided who would work on what part of the activity, it makes it difficult to add extra duties on top of what they have already been assigned. The learners in the class may already feel overloaded with their part of the activity and trying to figure out who would take on the extra part from the learner that dropped out can (a) cause a lot of wasted time, (b) added pressure, (c) a part of the activity to go lacking, (d) debates on who would have to do what, and (e) just an overall misunderstanding of the instructions. Palloff and Pratt (2004) stated, “Dropping out: Attrition is a problem in online group collaboration; shifts in membership as an activity is underway can cause significant problems” (p. 32).
Communication is the key to all successful partnerships. In order for a collaborative group to be successful the learners will all need to communicate with one another. Palloff and Pratt (2004) stated, “Communication: Groups working together collaboratively need to maintain open and regular communication so that all members feel included” (p. 32). Havard Du, and XU (2008) explained that in order for a collaboration to be successful, there must be communication coupled with collaboration. One way that communication can be successful is by the group selecting the perfect communication method, when collaborating online (Havard, Du, & XU, 2008). Walther in Havard, Du, and XU explained that with so many ways of communicating online, the learners have the possibility to feel as though they are face-to-face communicating. Zhang and Ge in Havard, Du, and XU explained that learners interacting with one another is very important by stating in regards, “To online collaborative learning, it indicates that online teams, with assistance from the instructor or an external moderator, should promote the use of media that better convey the notion of social presence in order to increase interaction among the members” (p. 39).
References
Havard, B., Du, J., Xu, J. (2008). Online collaborative learning and communication media.
Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 19(1), 37-50.
Higgins, J. (2007). Benefits of using online collaborative tools for project teams. Retrieved from
http://www.collegiateproject.com/articles/Online%20Collaborative%20Tools.pdf.
Good job on this Jessica. I like the issues you choose to discuss. With respect to decision making, I agree that it is good policy to be as clear as possible from the beginning and resolve as many issues as you can. Although many times unforeseen issues arise and it would be helpful if the group has a bit of shared history of resolving problems.
ReplyDeleteI also like your last point about choosing the communication method that suits the group and one that conveys a sense of social presence. This is the reason I am very enthusiastic about some of the new applications such as Skype and Second Life, they combine elements of face to face, synchronous and asynchronous communications.
Looking forward to anther conversation soon.