5 Tips to Collaboration Success in the Online Classroom

Collaboration is a key component to learning new objectives in the online classroom. Many may think that it is difficult for students to collaborate when they are unable to meet face to face. However, over the past decade, collaboration has become a requirement for graduating students. Although there can be many challenges when collaborating in the online classroom, success can be attained in online groups.

The following list outlines 5 tips to collaboration success in the online classroom!

1) Post availability schedule for group members - In the online classroom there can be students from all parts of the country. It is important for students to post their availability in the form of timezones as well as classroom access schedule. This is especially beneficial for group work because students can plan for meetings and assignment due dates.

2) Remain professional at all times, especially in instances when there are personality conflicts - In groups there is almost always a incident where there are personality conflicts. We are all human! This means that we may or may not get along with the group members we have been given. The key is to remember to remain professional when there is a conflict and work past the incident for the greater good of completing the project.

3) Keep the instructor engaged in group progress - Staying in contact with your instructor will allow your group to have a sense of "accountability". Accountability can bring out the best in students, especially in an online environment. Try to keep your instructor engaged by creating "meeting minutes" for any meetings help, and posting weekly statuses. This will help your instructor to stay engaged in "who's-doing-what" and keep everyone on task.

4) Maintain clear documentation for group meetings - This step and Step 3 are similar and can be managed together. Groups should maintain clear documentation for goals accomplished, outstanding goals and group status. This documentation can be presented to the instructor as well as maintained by the group project manager to make sure everyone is on task.

5) Volunteer - In a group project scenario there will be deliverables due. If there are specific deliverables that are outstanding don't be afraid to volunteer! After all, the goal is to gain as much knowledge from the project as possible. Don't be afraid to add your expertise and volunteer for the difficult tasks. In the long run, it will benefit you by adding experience to your portfolio.

Nicole Hickland Harris is a professor teaching several courses in the area of information technology. Nicole also runs her blog full time http://www.educatedandfabulous.com.