Group+Charter

Members of Virtual Worlds Group: Maijann - MJ - Yan Liu - YL Nic Brett - NB Ian Bell- IB


 * Part A**


 * 1. What I like most about group work**

MJ: I enjoy working in a team and I have many years of experience working in teams/groups - in a number of varying roles. I like to get the job done well and I enjoy problem solving along the way. YL: Sharing, support and fun. NB: Sharing the load collaborating on new ideas. IB:The fact that others have different and often better/interesting ideas to share


 * 2. What I dislike most about group work**

MJ:I have to say I do prefer the idea of the 'digital citizen' as opposed to some of the 'transformational learning' constructs I've come across - whilst there are many projects based upon transformational learning theories that I do support too. I'm also learning more about negotiation in the Communication Management subject that I'm doing. I think it's important that people are informed about the wide range of options that are available to them either as an individual or as a participant in a group. YL: Logistics can be tricky, especially with everyone already involved in a First Life (excuse the poor attempt at joke) NB: Finding time to meet not being totally in control of the outcome IB:Wondering if I am doing enough.


 * 3. What makes a good team player (from your perspective)**

MJ:Ability to accept other points of view. YL: Someone who is flexible, dedicated, responsible and a good listener. Being open-minded is also helpful. NB: Someone who is willing to listen to others views and take them on board if they are valid. To do things when you say you will IB: Someone who tries to incorporate input from other group members and is able to articulate a team goal


 * 4. What makes a bad team player (from your perspective)**

MJ: Inability to accept the viewpoint of others YL: Irresponsible, unreliable and/or unmotivated. NB: Someone who does not work. Someone who takes over project and discounts other members ideas and opinions IB: Inability to listen to other viewpoints, being inflexible.


 * 5. What grade are you hoping to achieve for this part of the project?**

MJ: I hope to do well in this subject. YL:Anything from credit or above would be great ;) NB:Distinction IB:A good one.


 * 6. What are your stengths in relation to this project - think of this in terms of how you can best contribute**

MJ:I'm a hard worker. YL: think of this in terms of how you can best contribute educational experience, computer competency, research. NB:Think of this in terms of how you can best contribute a good knowledge of Second Life and Second life learning communities and community contacts,Experience using Wiki's and Blogs and experience using story board software. IB: think of this in terms of how you can best contribute Interest, wiling to try things, educational perspective.


 * 7. What are your weaknesses**

MJ:Inexperience - particularly with virtual worlds. YL:Not very experienced with virtual worlds but I am a quick learner :D NB:Lack of time and Procrastination IB: Inexperience in Virtual Worlds.


 * 8. How would you like to arrange meetings - online or f2f - frequency**

MJ:Online or face to face. I'm very flexible in that regard. However I usually cannot meet between 8am-4.30pm week days. YL:General communication online with a couple of f2f to coordinate efforts, address serious concerns/difficulties. NB:Both Online and Face to face at least two times face to face and couple a times a week till the wiki has been completed IB: This Ning is good, I'd love to try a virtual classroom/meeting of some sort. f2f (with coffee) is good. Regular check-ins online.


 * 9. How do you think the group should make decisions?**

MJ: I feel we should discuss our ideas and then come to an agreement that is suitable to all. I'm sure it's possible. I've made the pragmatic decision to go with the idea of developing a project in line with the needs of children - although I don't work in that area - however there is enough scope in the project for me to learn about the things that are relevant to my own work environment. YL: Discuss, debate, democracy NB: Consensus IB: By going through the options, suggesting adaptations and eventually, consensus.


 * 10. What if a group member's work doesn't meet our standards - how do you think we should deal with this?**

MJ: If one person't work didn't meet our standards: I do believe that each individual is responsible for themselves in the end. In that sense, one can change oneself to accomodate others - I would prefer to concentrate on the project itself taking into account each person's strengths and focusing on their strengths. YL: Clearly communicate any issues/concerns as soon as possible. Try and support and guide each other as much as possible. Generally, it might be constructive if everyone tries to remember to focus on the goal and try not to take it too personally. NB: Work with them to get it up to standard IB: Probably by being honest from the beginning. This is a new way to work for most (me, at least) and members, (I), may need up front guidance.


 * PART B

ELMT 1- Virtual Worlds in education Group Charter:

Introduction:**

'Phasing Grace', 2007, writes at her blogspot that ' groups in Second Life aren't about group cohesion or social grooming, they are largely about announcements, group land, business updates and product releases - in other words, they are one-way push based communication channels. In addition, this 'Phasing Grace', 2007, states that 'Whilst there is a critical need for this one-way push based communication channels, it does not serve to build cohesion within the community. In order to promote Group Cohesion within the 'e-Learning 1 Virtual Worlds in Education' Group, our aims and collective group charter includes the following aspects.

To successfully present a proposal for consideration to e-Learning experiences, ELMT1, on 23rd May, 2009 concerning an e-Learning 1 assignment project.
 * 1) ELMT1 Virtual Worlds in Education's Aim:**


 * 2) The objectives of the e-Learning 1 Virtual Worlds in Education Group is to:**


 * Outline the key features of the educational project involving Virtual Worlds in Education
 * Describe a collective online community involving teenagers using 'Teen Second Life' to learn English. In particular, these learners are doing a English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) subject within a secondary school setting.
 * Provide an educational rationale for employing Virtual Worlds within the teaching framework for the learning needs of these above-mentioned teen learners.
 * Clearly outline a justification for considering the e-Learning Community as a collective learning opportunity
 * Provide a storyboard outline key elements of this group's proposal.


 * 3) Group Charter**

Members of the ELMT1 Virtual Worlds in Education Group have agreed to:
 * participate with the view to presenting 'Teen Second Life ESOL collaborative e-Learning community' as a collaborative learning opportunity.
 * actively engage in face-to-face meetings and online discussions in order to promote the groups aims and objectives.
 * provide information to each other at timely intervals regarding new information and developments in this group's project.
 * discuss and identify key factors pertinent to the ethical features including safety and welfare needs of teenager learners at all times.
 * provide information to each other concerning relevant and new research to this group's ELMT1 Virtual World's Project.
 * support the group's endeavours at the ELMT1 meeting on 24th May, 2009.


 * PART C**
 * Seven habits of successful Virtual Teams**

Zelenka, 2006, suggests some practices for making virtual teams most effective:
 * Management demonstrates a thoroughgoing commitment to virtual work
 * Team members communicate regualarly by phone
 * Team members check in with each other frequently throughout the work day
 * The team shares a view of their work
 * The team leverages the diversity of team members
 * Team members get to know each other on a human level, not just as working robots
 * Trust and respect are assumed, not earned.


 * References:**

URL: [[|**http://phasinggrace.blogspot.com/**]] UR:: [[]]