Collaborative Team Projects: Key Issues for Effective Learning

Abstract

There are few occupations where people do not work together to achieve goals. Yet much of the education that students receive is individual, faculty-directed learning. Within all areas of education the need for teamwork is being recognized. This is particularly so in computing disciplines, where it is assumed that after graduating many students will join development teams. In addition, the availability of better communications systems such as e-mail and desktop video conferencing encourages collaboration between geographically separated people. If students are to benefit from the experience of collaborative team projects, faculty must resolve important issues concerning group dynamics, pedagogy, and administration.