A Glance into Group #3

 

 

SETTING

 

“We had moments where we got off track, making some jokes about having a beer etc. For the most part, though, our discussion looks on task and productive.” - Erin Severson

 

“I bet the next discussion will be even better :-)” - Yuriy Sherayzen

 

“I almost wish we had a devil's advocate in our group to force us to strengthen our arguments and be incredibly detailed in our justifications.” - Adrienne Gilby

 

“I look forward to our next Wednesday meeting.” -Susan Galegher

 

“The most valuable part of the process for me is reading the printed transcript later. Realization that I have completely missed comments made by other members helps me to develop strategies for effectively using this media for discussion. Each time I review our transcripts for my reflection I am surprised by the increasing cohesiveness of the group from week to week. As well, the progress we have made in working as a team who quickly establishes the rules for accomplishing the tasks during our scheduled time is impressive. As a team, we have constructed a chat media environment that can change and respond to meet needs of the group as long as each group member makes their needs known.” - Susan Galegher

 

“I’m very glad I? m in this group, and I look forward to the next discussion.” - Yuriy Sherayzen

 

This group seems to gel quite nicely. They are comfortable with each other and enjoy each other’s contributions. They are very organized and their meetings follow a similar structure each time. They do have some frustrations though…

 

“The fast-paced discussion is hard to keep track of at times and I find that a comment of someone's that I REALLY want to follow up on, for example Yuriy's comment about Marxists looking at family economics as a fundamental force, but I never get a chance to. However, I love the flexibility of being in my own home and not having to spend time travelling anywhere to study this stuff.”- Adrienne Gilby

 

“AdrienneG: Sue- is your task up yet? I'd like to get access to some of those

journal articles

SusanGal: Yes...go

SusanGal: 45 minutes

ErinJS: Adrienne, I think you should go next because yours relates

SusanGal: No...sorry...my task will be up....but I am slow

Here Adrienne was asking Sue if she had posted her assignment yet, but Sue thought that she was asking her to be done with describing her task. As you can see, Sue figured out Adrienne’s actual question moments later. I think that this example illustrates how online chat can be difficult because you have to respond so quickly. Sometimes, you misinterpret questions because there is pressure to respond in sequence. Fortunately, the conversation stays on the screen so you can look back and correct mistakes.” - Erin Severson

 

“I believe the latest chat has demonstrated the new level we have reached as a group (group3). We are discovering advantages and limitations of online chat which were irrelevant just a few weeks ago. Erin has made a few interesting observations about the potential for misinterpretation, and the ability to see the whole dialogue.” - Yuriy Sherayzen

 

They problem solve well and when presented with things such as miscommunication they find their way back to a productivity even when reading over the transcript. Susan seems to have had the most problems with the technology though…

 

 

“Then I had problems to get online again. I finally went to a completely different computer where I was finally able to get online and hooked into the group discussion. I was so exasperated since I enjoy our group time and learn so much from each member. I didn’t want to miss a minute of it. Thank goodness I had another computer tucked away, although it took awhile to get it fired-up and tapped-in. Such is technology.”

 

“just as I was to begin my presentation, the computer screen froze-up. I had to shut-down the computer and restart. It was stressful for me, as I did not know if I was going to get back into the site. When I did, I did not see any of the transcripts that I had missed when I was offline (same thing when I got my transcript). I had no idea where I was at with the group discussion. My team quickly filled me in. Such are the limits of technology!” - Susan Galegher

 

 

 

TASK

 

This groups final tasks are well done and it is clear they are a group of over-achievers. It is almost as if they are spurred on by each other, yet have their own personalities which show through in their work. Each one of their ads was done well and often with much irony. From their group reflections it is clear that they all make a point of viewing each other’s work and respect the finished product which undoubtedly is the leads to the quality of their discussions.

 

It is obvious that by this time in the course they are comfortable with freely expressing themselves, knowing they wouldn’t be castigated by their group members. Three of the four were spoof ads that used humor. Susan’s, which is a beautiful ad, is not using humor to sell her product, but yet it her group is open-minded enough to allow deviance form the norm.

 

 

METHODS OF ANALYSIS

 

The methods of analysis are done in a clear formula (for the most part):

1)    Their thoughts on the meeting

2)    What they talked about (usually citing specific examples)

3)    Final thoughts/ feelings

 

They often used quotes from their transcript to show what they are talking about. It is a useful tool to make their comments more concrete. They balance critique of the limits of technology with encouragement and positive comments to their team members. Their thoughts are often in agreement (to which Adrienne states she’d like to be a devil’s advocate), but when there are disagreements(I think one in total) they seem to be able to calmly discuss their position.

 

 

CONCLUSIONS:

 

Group #3 enjoy each other’s involvement and lead a very productive schedule. Most of their work is done on time and the members look forward to their discussions. Although they encounter problems here and there with technology they always pull through without throwing their monitor through the living room picture window. There is a respectable quality that permeates the talks, but seems like they could use a little rabble rousing at times just to make things interesting. There products are very thorough and insightful and well represent the splendid over-achievers I find them to be.