Oh, how I love group projects!
I just do not feel right when my students do not get to experience group projects online. As a result, only three of the nine courses that I teach miss out on these amazing experiences.
For 13 years, I have assigned group projects–not because I had to suffer through them as an undergraduate and I want them to suffer too–that would be cruel but, it is because I understand how invaluable the experiences are.
Let’s think about it, shall we?
When you look back over your life, what have you accomplished without the support of others? Better yet, what jobs have you had, or what positions have you fulfilled that did not require you to work with other people?
It is hard to think of your life without others in that way, isn’t it?
I am sure you can think of plenty of times that you have worked on a team or within a group.
If that is the case, I will be presumptuous and say that you would agree that it is critically important for online faculty to ensure that our students enter the marketplace prepared to play integral roles on the teams of which they may become a part.
Online courses provide the perfect opportunity to cultivate students’ teamwork skills using group projects. The growth that takes place within students from completing well-designed group projects only happens as they work with their classmates towards a common goal.
I am SOLD on group projects and have been including them in my courses for 13 years. As a result, my new series is about how to make facilitating group projects easy in online college courses.
I can’t wait to share what I have learned for more than decade with you!
Are you excited about it?
I know that the thought of having students work together, remotely, may be scary and thoughts of constant conflict, complaining, freeloading, and frustration may come to mind; but, I promise you that smooth-sailing group collaboration is possible when you design the project well, train the students, effectively, and maintain very high standards.
Trust me.
Take my virtual hand and let me show you the way. 😊
Drumroll…
Below, you may have access to the very first video in this series…just because we are becoming friends and I like you like that. 😊
Have a peek into my mind, my experiences, and take from what I share that which will make group projects easy for your students and for you.
Enjoy!