Learning to Collaborate in COINs: Insights from a multidisciplinary global virtual collaboration

Abstract

This paper presents insights from an interdisciplinary collaborative venture in the virtual environment between four university teams. The venture, which is called the COINs course, was designed to enable students to learn experientially how to use the tools of dynamic social network analysis (DSNA) through a variety of projects. Collaborating across disciplines requires team members to rapidly and clearly communicate and demonstrate the value of key principles, processes, and work practices while negotiating multiple levels of complexity, knowledge cultures, skills, and capabilities. This paper explores these complexities, documents insights gained through experience, and proposes a framework for future GVT collaboration.