How to Survive Group Projects in an Online Class?

Group projects in online courses are different from those in classroom settings. You can’t meet your classmates face-to-face. That makes it all the more challenging. However, these online projects are a crucial part of your courses. They help you understand your course better. But, how to do a group project online?

Don’t worry. This article will list all the basics of group projects. It will help students ace their group projects and enjoy the process too.

What are online group projects?

Online group classes are collaborative activities between various students of the online class. Usually, it is a part of the curriculum, and students are required to complete at least one group project during their online course.

The teacher or instructor may divide the class into several groups. Or the students can have the freedom to form groups according to their convenience. Forming the right group is crucial for group projects in online courses.

What’s the purpose of online group projects?

Online projects might look daunting. But they are super helpful for students in the long run.

a) The students get to know their classmates better

b) It makes learning fun and interesting for them

c) It improve the communication skills of the participants.

d) These group projects teach students how to excel in teamwork. Thus, they become better professionals later in life.

e) Students learn to work with people who have different strengths and weaknesses than their own

Thus, group projects in online courses help develop practical life skills in students.

5 Best Tips on How to do Group Projects Online

1. Understand the Project Requirements 

There’s a risk of misunderstanding in group projects in online courses. You won’t get to meet your teacher in person. That’s why it’s better to clarify all your doubts before starting the group project.

a) Ask as many questions as you want to the instructor.

b) Read the guidelines of group projects carefully.

c) Go through the marking scheme.

d) Understand your responsibilities.

Group projects in online courses have similar requirements to online projects. You just need to understand them clearly.

2. Build rapport within the group

The students of an online course might come from different parts of the globe. So, they must know each other first. After all, strangers can’t collaborate on group projects.

Before starting the project the members should form a good bond first. Casual online meetings and friendly chats might help ease the initial awkwardness.

The good bonding between the team members also improves the quality of online study group.

3. Divide responsibilities within the group 

Teamwork is all about dividing responsibilities. Each member has unique strengths and weaknesses. So, it’s crucial to understand everyone’s abilities and assign tasks accordingly. That’s what helps group projects in online courses succeed.

Every member should understand their part of the responsibility well. That will help them give their best to the group product. That will make your projects smoother.

4. Clear and effective communication within the group 

The team members won’t get to meet face-to-face in online projects. That’s why it’s crucial to stay in touch. It will help them know each other better.

Moreover, everyone should be well informed about the progress of other members. For example, the person writing the content should know how far the research has progressed. Similarly, the member in charge of the presentation won’t be able to start unless the content is complete.

Clear and effective communication will avoid confusion and help in the smooth completion of group projects in online courses.

5. Planning is the key to online group projects

Planning the task ahead of time saves a lot of time and energy. Plus, it avoids last-minute confusion in online projects.

The members should conduct several brainstorming sessions to decide how to proceed with the group project. Everyone should understand their role in the project. That means they should have a clear idea of the workload and the time required.

Next, the members need to chalk out a plan of action. It’s crucial to understand which task needs to be addressed first.

Members must meet online frequently and discuss the best possible way to go ahead with online projects.

How to plan for group projects in online courses?

Here are a few tips to make the perfect plan for projects –

a) Know the project requirements and the marking scheme before starting.

b) Get to know the members and their time of availability.

c) Discuss the project requirements with the team members.

d) Delegate tasks among members

e) Brainstorm ideas on how to go ahead with the project

f) Discuss deliverables and deadlines beforehand

Now that you know how to plan for group projects in online courses, go ahead and ace your project.

Final Word 

Group projects are fun and provide immense learning opportunities . However, group projects might not be easy. There is always a chance of communication gaps.

But the tips and suggestions listed above will help deal with all the challenges in an group project. It will make group projects in online courses exciting and fetch good grades for everyone.