The Fundamentals And Fun Of Electronic Teamwork For Students And Their Instructors

Abstract

This paper reviews and integrates best practices for online teamwork for students and instructors from current and classical literature as well as the author’s own six years of online teaching experience (over 40 online courses). A qualitative reflection of six graduate and six undergraduate courses in management, human resource management and organizational development using student teams via the internet were used in this study. An updated model of Tuckman’s (1965) team development process is offered. Additional reflection on the use of confidential, student peer ratings are given. Samples of student feedback on the team experience in their courses are summarized along with lessons learned for the instructor and the student.