Forming Collaborative Learning Teams

In response to determining how to build our teams, I've outlined a few recommendations, as well as, provided links to a couple of helpful articles / tools.

a) How should the teams be formed in this course for the larger group project?
First, I would suggest that we use smaller teams, 4 people per team. Based on previous expereince and tips in the following article http://www.tltgroup.org/gilbert/millis.htm, four team members will bring enough diversity without being so large that we are challenged with our Norming and Storming phase of team development! :-)

b) How heterogeneous should we go?
Very! We should establish teams with a variety of skill levels.

c) Should we allow people from the same company to work on them together?
Certainly an "easier" solution, however caution should be given to those that have the same level of experience. Consideration should be given to ensuring the diversity across all teams.

d) Should we look for different skill sets?
Absolutely! I think this will help ensure team members are able to learn more through the experience.

e) If you were the facilitator how would you decide?
One idea is to use the sample survey from the following article http://fgamedia.org/etudes_forums/lesson9c.html. We could use Survey Monkey to collect the data and use as a guide.

That's my two cents! Hope it's helpful!

Shelly

Best Jobs in America ... Blog Pondering

Don't get me wrong - I'm glad that the work of Human Resource Managers, Technical Writers, and Curriculum Developers have received recognition near the top of the "Best Jobs in America" list. http://elearningtech.blogspot.com/2006/04/best-jobs-in-america-time-to-call-your.html#links

However, I think that the criteria analysis is lacking in details. For example, why is it that Curriculum Developer received a C in Flexibility and a B in Difficulty? And why is the position expected to grow at 27.53%?

This leaves me asking - what is the purpose of this list?

If it is to help guide career choice - it's extremely misleading. Unless I strictkly make my choice based on anticipated salary. The growth analysis is nice, but what if I'm not relocatable? How many companies in my area are likely to be hiring this position?

Instead, I'd like to see a list that includes analysis / information that explains the opportunities for career growth, how one actually pusues a career in a given field, and most importantly ... the impact of the position to the overall effectiveness and strategy of the business.

Now, that might be something to call home about.

A Whole New World in Collaborative Learning!

Wow! Collaborative Learning is quite an experience. Blogs, Wikis, Discussion Groups ... so much to explore ... too little time!