How to Work on Group Online Projects Successfully
Students already regard group projects to be one of the most difficult aspects of the curriculum. For a variety of reasons, some students find group projects challenging and even repulsive because they prefer working alone on their assignments. However, group work will have to continue since teamwork is one of the most important things students need to learn and do. Nonetheless, this proved difficult at the height of the worldwide pandemic. There might be more experiments with using group projects when learning moves to an online or hybrid environment. Students might not be able to meet in person as frequently as they once could, for starters.
This does not, however, imply that teachers will no longer assign group tasks for students to finish. Rather, they have shifted to methods that align with the current online educational trajectory. On the surface, this can even seem more difficult. However, it is still possible to successfully complete online group tasks; you just need to know how to approach it. Even while working on group projects online, we’ve compiled some advice in this post that might help you finish them successfully.
Table of Contents
How to successfully work on an online group project?
1. Assign a group leader
There should be a designated group leader, just like with any other group project. Although some students prefer the word “facilitator” to avoid having to take on the role of “leader” of the group, which might sometimes involve completing all of the group’s tasks. But in this case, the leader will be responsible for managing each team member and delegating responsibilities to them. The leader should also set up a meeting to discuss the project as soon as possible.
Following the assignment of responsibilities to each group member, the group leader is responsible for keeping the group informed about their respective project progress. To discuss everyone’s progress, they can schedule a meeting with the group at least once or twice a week. In the event that a member neglects their duties, the leader must also speak with the individual and devise ways to assist the person in doing their assignments. They can discover that the member is not a good fit for the task at hand. If so, it is also their duty to find that member a role in the project that will allow them to contribute effectively.
Ensure that the individual selected to head the group is amiable and responsible. They should also possess a feeling of duty and the ability to put others at rest. But forcing someone into a stance is also bad. It is up to the individual and the group as a whole to determine who will lead the group.
2. Plan how to communicate
Something that may come up as a surprise would be that doing a project online can be easier in terms of communication. Hear me out. When doing group projects face-to-face, there will be instances of conflicts in schedule or conflicts as to where to meet up. But with online projects, you can communicate easily by, well, doing it online.
For the duration of your group project, it is highly recommended that you only use one communication channel. This is far more useful because it makes things more accessible, especially when sharing several files. Fortunately, a multitude of communication services, like Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams, are now accessible. Not to mention social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and others that support communication.
A communication strategy is crucial since it outlines your meeting schedule as well as the platform you will utilize for your group project. By establishing this at the outset of your group project, you may minimize scheduling conflicts that could result in members missing out.
3. Assign tasks evenly
Remember that every person has unique strengths and limitations when it comes to performing specific activities. Assigning a work to a person who is really skilled at it will produce a better and faster result. Additionally, each member should receive an equal share of tasks. Members who possess the necessary abilities should also receive it.
You must assign a member who is exceptionally talented in the arts to complete your project if it calls for a creative design. The group leader should help with task distribution. They should also listen to the members’ opinions and make an effort to consider them before assigning someone to a duty.
4. Decide a deadline for each task
Determining the deadline for each work is the next step after assigning the assignments to each member. Without a deadline, team members can neglect their responsibilities, which would result in the group project never being completed at all.
When choosing a deadline for a particular task, be sure it is acceptable because certain tasks will unavoidably be more difficult to finish than others. Remember to set the task deadlines at least a few days before the project’s final due date. You never know if the assignment might require some adjustments, so call it a safety net. At the very least, there would be time to complete the project.
5. Report uncooperative members
The biggest worry of all group project participants is that one or more of them won’t complete their allotted assignment. Regrettably, this occurs frequently. The success of your group ultimately rests on everyone’s full collaboration, so you should talk to your teacher about your groupmate who isn’t participating. Don’t worry about being labeled a “snitch.”
If you find it daunting to speak with your teacher, you can raise this issue with the group’s leader first. In any way, you have to raise the issue. Once you report someone though, make sure to ask for advice on your next step and how you can resolve the issue. It’s possible that your groupmate will be moved to another group or that they’ll receive a warning. Ultimately, you need to know what options you may have regarding the project.
Conclusion
Even though online group tasks can be difficult and even seem unachievable, you and your group members can finish them if you have the right mindset. All you need to do is collaborate as a team and always communicate clearly. You will eventually be able to build a trusting relationship with your group members, but it may take some time before you can work together.
Remember that group projects you are currently working on in school will be quite similar to those you will have when you begin working, and they may even be more difficult because of the much tighter deadlines. Completing schoolwork truly helps you prepare for the future, even though it could appear as if you do it only to improve your scores.
Carelle
Carelle is a teacher who has been through the ups and downs of the teacher and learner life. She wishes for every learner to gain educational satisfaction that will help embody the people they want to be in the future.
