Team Building in an Online Organizational Behavior Course

Abstract

of student perceptions, collected at the end of the course, revealed both positive and negative reactions to various aspects of the team-building exercise. Based on these reactions, the authors discuss needed improvements in the assignment. They conclude by considering how their experience with the team-building exercise contributes to ongoing discussions about teamwork in management education and team building for virtual teams.

Building Effective Virtual Learning Teams Through Enhanced Team Processes

“…Subsequently, improved productivity, elevated morale, and advanced innovation are often identified in the booming virtual learning teams (Beranek & French, 2011). Grzeda, Haq, and LeBrasseur (2008) advocated that not only course design but also student interaction and collaboration determine the success of an online course. The collaborative team-based activities are philosophically aligned with learning community models of teaching enhancement.…”

“…Based on numerous scholars' research and experiences in the online learning teams (Beranek & French, 2011;Bulu & Yildirm, 2008;Grzeda et al, 2008;Lee, Lee, Liu, Bonk, & Magjuka, 2009;Makani et al, 2016;Milman, 2015;Munkvold & Zigurs, 2007;Topchyan, 2015;Tseng et al, 2009), the following suggestions are proposed for instructional design and course facilitation when virtual teams are needed in online courses:…”

“…It might be intimidating for certain students to meet online with their team members for the first time and immediately work together on a team project. Accordingly, it is necessary to build team members' trust, relationship, and team dynamic in a team-building exercise (Grzeda et al, 2008). It is desirable that this exercise should be organized in conjunction with the kick-off meeting to help students develop team process skills in support of effective completion of team-based course requirements (Beranek & French, 2011;Bulu & Yildirm, 2008;Grzeda et al, 2008).…”

“…All key tasks to be performed should be evaluated, including team communication, team involvement, time management, individual contribution, and collaboration. If peer assessment is required, this should be in the grading rubric as well (Beranek & French, 2011;Grzeda et al, 2008;Milman, 2015).…”

“…A timeline should be established for accomplishing each action to ensure that team activities remain on schedule (Milman, 2015). A specific team member or the team leader should be assigned to the responsibilities to warrant that each activity will be realized to beat the deadline (Grzeda et al, 2008).…”