November 3, 2010 Dr. Maureen Ellis & Dr. Eric Kisling Business and Information Technologies Education Department College of Education Managing Virtual Teams in Online Classes Higher education offers a training ground and online learning environments enable students to learn, practice and hone their virtual team skills to be effective workers in the 21st Century workplace. This presentation will address : Challenges inherent in virtual teams and provide insight into Web 2.0 technology tools which support communication and offer strategies for effectively managing work process; Designing a collaborative environment; creating accountability; Commitment to shared goals and values; and Developing a cohesive team synergy to alleviate social loafing. Context The nature of organizations have changed; the nature of teams have changed. Virtual teams allow organizations to meet the challenges faced by operating in a global marketplace. Higher education offers a training ground and online learning environments enable students to learn, practice and hone their team skills to be effective workers in the 21 st Century workplace. Defining Virtual Teams Virtual teams have these attributes: A functioning team Members are geographically dispersed The team relies on technology-mediated communications rather than FTF interactions to accomplish tasks Virtual teams can cross organizational boundaries, meaning members do not have to come from the same organization or class Team members have shared values/common goals Framework Virtual teams are dynamic in nature and usually constructed for a specific project or they are task-focused groups Virtual teams are based on collaborative principles Collaboration is the collective work of two or more individuals with a sense of shared purpose and direction. State-of-the-art technology communication support collaboration. Challenges By nature, virtual teams are faced with several challenges to overcome for success: Distance Time Technology Culture Trust Leadership Social Loafing Social loafing exists when an individual exerts less effort while working on a team than working alone. Driven by situational interpretations. In a team effort some individuals take a “free-ride” and it increases with the size of the group or team. Using the social impact theory, which essentially says that members of groups feel less responsible for behaving appropriately when it comes to group work; as a result social loafing occurs. Social Loafing Social loafing exists when an individual exerts less effort while working on a team than working alone. Driven by situational interpretations. In a team effort some individuals take a “free-ride” and it increases with the size of the group or team. Using the social impact theory, which essentially says that members of groups feel less responsible for behaving appropriately when it comes to group work; as a result social loafing occurs. Individuals may behave differently because of anonymity of the virtual team vs. face-to-face interaction. Lack of responsibility and accountability play a role in social loafing. Building a Winning Team Select and set up leaders for success; Establish a common vision for the team; Create a context for understanding; Develop common operating procedures and standards; Document work process; Establish clear boundaries – autonomous collaborative environment; Set up goals and measurements; Establishing mechanisms for debriefing, problem solving and celebration; and Communicate, communicate, communicate! Contact Information: Thank you for taking time to stop by and learn how you can improve virtual teams and alleviate social loafing through the use of Web 2.0 technology tolls in the online classroom. If you have any questions about integrating any of these tools into your classroom, please don’t hesitate to contact us: Drs. Maureen Ellis & Eric Kisling Business and Information Technologies Education Department Bate Building