Ayesha Jenkins

In my asynchronous online class, the closest thing to group project is a Peer Review Group project.  Students are responsible for completing a peer review of thier group members' papers.  I agree that it is difficult to get everyone to participate in a timely manner.  As facilitator I try to encourage enthusiasm and participation by introducing and explaining the project details well in advance but I'm still working on ways to "tweak" my approach to this problem.

Khal Lahlou

I must agree with your comments about the challenge of implementing meaningful group projects in online courses. I teach asynchronous courses. Therefore, all students access their course at different days and at different times. Moreover, students do not live in the same time zone. Furthermore, they are on a variety of work schedules, shifts, and family obligations.

However, during our weekly live instructor labs, everyone has the opportunity to participate in our synchronous discussions. They ask questions, share comments, and learn from each other’s. 

I think meaningful group projects would only work in synchronous and traditional courses.

Any new ideas?

Elizabeth Suco

I have not either as I am not so sure it will be effective.  Usually, students who take online classes are very busy with their schedule.