As part of the multimedia section of the diploma of E-Learning, we have been asked to reflect on Assessment No. 6, which was a collaborative task to design and set a criteria for a website. We needed to use different technologies to communicate with each other through the process.

Below are my reflections:

1. What did I learn about web-site design?

I learnt that, designing a web-site is definitely not the easiest thing, there is alot that we need to keep in mind, from the colours to the layout, to how fast or slow someone connection may be. Keeping to a customers specifications and requirements is also a challenge, when doing things for myself, I can chop and change as much as I want. Keeping things simple and easy to understand is also a challenge. My lack of skills in regard to designing the page how I want it doesn't help, thats for sure.

2. What did I learn about collaboration projects on line?

I learnt that, it is important for the team to be good communicators, and there needs to be an understanding of what is required before any useful collaboration can be executed. As with everything in this course, it is a challenge, and we must be mindful about what is communicated, no matter what kind of media used. I think that in an online environment, nothing beats a telephone call or a voice chat on MSN or skype, or other media that lets you 'speak' to each other. Typed messages can be taken in so many different ways.

3. What did our team do well?

Our team tried there hardest to catch up with each other and respond to messages posted, it was just an issue of coordinating when we were available. We were all very supportive of each other. As with every team there are usually ones that carry and push the team. Our coordinator elect, Carmel, in my opinion, did a great job in keeping us on task, I know I am someone who needs reminding every now and then, about when different tasks are due. Ellen also was one of those that dragged us out of trouble with her, jump in with all feet attitude, to google docs and formatting our Lemongrass1 site, thanks to Bob who got the site up and running in the first place.

4. What could our team have done better?

Our team could have collaborated better, and sorted out some issues, right at the beginning. Communication on a voice type media, eg, Skype etc. would have saved alot of time, instead of reading emails. We could have had turns taking minutes of these meetings and then posting the minutes as an email, as a reminder about what was spoken about. I know I only really got on board with skype, right near the end, so that didn't leave the opportunity for to many voice chat sessions. Maybe the coordinator role could have been shared around also, I think poor Carmel may have been a bit swamped with that responsibility through the whole of the exercise.

I learnt:

*  The potential that google docs has, as a collaboration tool, more work needs to be done with this, on my side of the fence.

*  Good communication is very important for online learning and collaboration. Not enough can be bad, and to much can also be bad.

*  When collaborating, the first thing that needs to be done is make sure everyone is reading from the same page, and have a joint understanding in what is happening.

*  Everyone needs to be involved, to make the collaboration a success. By not having people contributing, the whole process can come to a stand still.

*  The technology that is out there to help us communicate effectively is endless, we need to keep track of these technologies, but in saying that, do not let them boggle the mind to much.

*  Actually 'speaking' to someone, during online activities is very encouraging and time efficient.

Those were my reflections about Assignment 6.  It was quite a learning experience and I hope further activities that require collaboration can run alot smoother after this one.

Thanks everyone.

Kind Regards

Morgan Ison