FIT Team Project

The FIT Team B is composed of four members who were assigned to facilitate twenty-two students in an IT course with the consent of the host instructor. We were to practice facilitation and e-moderating in real online context, write and present our reports F2F and as a term paper. Each guest facilitator was assigned to facilitate a team of two to three students who were required to choose a topic in emerging technologies for presentation, post questions and lead the class in a meaningful discourse. This project commenced from October 23, 2007 to November 19, 2007. The duration for each project was approximately two weeks, December 06, 2007.

The team’s experience as facilitators, e-moderators and observers in practice was presented to the class last week. Prior to the presentation, each member debriefed other group members about their own experiences. Together, we worked as a team to write edit and publish our presentations. Working together has been fruitful; so far we have had no problems. Our main means of communication were through emails and face-to-face meetings in class. There were few differences in our observations and expectations with the facilitation process, but they are all learning experiences. For example, I found members in my assigned group responsive; however, other guest facilitators felt differently. My major observation was that the students did not use most of the resources provided; hence, could not provide in depth knowledge about the topic – Social Networking Websites. I would suggest that students use the resources to expand their scope of knowledge.

As a group, we recommend the use of technology tools such as Skype and simple Homepage development in Bb to communicate – get connected, establish their social presence, and practice with some of these tools. Practice makes perfect. The importance of students to express their views online is extensively discussed by Price & Oliver (2007) and Salmon (2006). In addition, we suggest students provide technology resources, especially, those used in their presentations to others – to share and practice. The experience is worth the time, and I say KUDOS to all the group members.

JAL