Online Collaborative Projects: Creating Projects

Collaboration It's a good idea to start by participating in a project designed by someone else. This will give you a chance to practice applying the concepts and using the technology without having to focus on managing the project.

When you're ready to create your own project, use the following steps to design your project.

Identify a Project Concept

Brainstorm possible topics with your students.
Pick a topic that is appealing to students, meets standards, involves higher order thinking skills, and enhances learning for all participants.
Choose a catchy theme and title.
Match the project concept to curriculum outcomes and standards.
Identify content, information, and technology standards.
Match outcomes to specific assessments.
Keep the project as simple as possible and practical.
Focus on a few specific questions or problems.
Develop a plan for sharing results.
Set aside lots of personal time for planning.
Be prepared ahead of the project start time.

Identify Technology

Identify the technology that the host and participants will need.
Select technology for gathering, organizing, and sharing information.

Design a "Call for Participation"

Build a plan and stick to it.
Plan and try out all procedures,
Create a list of requirement materials.
Develop a set of project guidelines.
Build a list of requirements for the program.
Create a timeline, master schedule, and list of key dates.
Anticipate problems that might arise and develop contingency plans.

Create a Timeline

Identify registration open and close dates.
Identify beginning and ending dates for the project.
Develop a plan for participant contact and notification.
Identify key dates and times within the project.

Create a Participant List

Build a participant mailing list such as email, eboard, egroup, listserv.
Create a separate host email account.
Send weekly email updates for communication and epostcards for fun.
Send reminders and thank you's.

Create A Project
After exploring projects, create your own. Be sure that you address each of the following areas:

Identify a Project Concept
Identify Technology
Design a "Call for Participation"
Create a Timeline
Create a Participant List