Encouraging Online Group Work Management with Microsoft Planner

Online Group Work

Students’ ability to organize tasks and manage time can affect their online group work experiences. In online team situations, Hurst and Thomas (2008) explain that group members “must engage in self-monitoring, team process monitoring, and proactive commitment to the work of learning” (p. 460). To enact these methods and foster positive group work experiences, Teach Me Tech recommends that students use online task management tools.

Microsoft Planner is one of the many tools available to help students organize, manage, and track deadlines for group work assignments and other course requirements.

Accessing Microsoft Planner

Faculty and students can access a web-based and app version of Planner through the Microsoft 365 suite provide by the College via the following steps:

1. Sign in to Office 365 email

2. Select the Microsoft launchpad.

3. Select Planner

Microsoft Planner Features:

1. Create interactive schedules and share documents with group members on a single platform.
2. Keep track of team responsibilities and monitor group progress.
3. Schedule and manage time for multiple assignments.

To learn more about Microsoft Planner’s functionalities and features, visit Microsoft’s Planner Help & Learning page.

References

Hurst, D., & Thomas, J. (2008). Developing team skills and accomplishing team projects online. In T. Anderson (Ed.), The Theory and Practice of Online Learning (2nd ed., pp. 441-472). Athabasca University Press.