How can the team get organized and stay on track?
Guidelines
These guidelines can help a team stay collectively informed and on track
-
Define the goal for the project - Be as specific as you can. What needs to be covered in the assignment (read any material from your instructor carefully)? What options are allowed? What format is the best? How will it be delivered to the instructor? What else does the team want to add?
-
List tasks to be completed - List out all tasks in reasonable chunks. For instance, don't just say "graphics," but list how many graphs, photos, or logos may be needed for a project. Don't forget to include "project management" tasks such as taking meeting notes.
-
Assign responsibility for all tasks - Tasks should be divided so that all members receive a significant portion of the tasks. You should also ensure that all team members are satisfied with the tasks the team has assigned to them.
-
Develop a timeline and checklist - Start from the deadline and work your way backwards. Make sure the timeline has some cushion built into it. Make sure the entire team understands and agrees to it.
-
Post a timeline and checklist - Once the timeline has been finalized, it should either be posted somewhere or sent or given to everyone electronically. Use team meetings to get timeline updates, then post or send updated versions. As items get checked off, the team will feel a sense of progress.
-
Set up a central repository for all electronic files - If you are working with electronic files, try to find a common area which the entire team can access.
ONLINE FILE OPTIONS
-
You can reate a Group in ANGEL and enroll all team members as editors. You can create groups in ANGEL even if your instructor is not teaching with it. Click on the Help pages for more information.
-
The CLC Labs U: drive service which allows students to store files on the Penn State Student Computing Labs network.
Remember to always back up and keep extra copies of files so the chances of permanently losing them are less.
-
-
Post or send all team meeting notes - Sending out team meeting notes electronically can ensure that everyone understood what the team decided. If someone asks for clarification or says that's not what he or she remembered, then double-check that item with the team and send a new update.
-
Maintain a central archive for all communications - If possible, maintain an archive of all electronic communications in case questions arise later. If you use a Group in ANGEL, you can use the message board, ANGEL e-mail and chatroom tools.
-
Send reminders when deadlines approach - As crucial deadlines approach, it can be beneficial to send reminders of what needs to be done to the appropriate team members. This could be something that the team agrees to as part of the ground rules.
-
Send confirmation when tasks are completed - If you have finished a task, it is also a good practice to send a note to the team that you have, in fact, completed it.
HANDOUTS: Additional tips are available in the Penn State Schreyer Institute handouts.