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Peer-to-Peer
Learning for Virtual Collaboration
Students can share project information,
including websites, book titles, diagrams and keep track of project
progress with Groove
CIT is
introducing a new tool known as Groove. This is a peer-to-peer computer
mediated communications tool. It facilitates virtual group discussions,
features in Groove are designed and organised for virtual project
collaborations.
Students
can share project information such as interesting websites, book
titles, articles, diagrams and project progress in the group's shared
workspace. They can do this in both synchronous and asynchronous
modes. A unique feature of Groove is its brainstorming tool that
allows for the brainstorming of ideas. These ideas can be saved
for synthesis and decision making at a later date. If microhphones
and speakers are set up, users can communicate with each other just
like in a teleconferencing session.
The
brainstorming tool also comes with a discussion forum and a white
board. All discussions both synchronous and asynchronous can be
saved and archived. Instructors can visit these workspaces to monitor
group progress and provide the necessary guidance. In this way,
outstanding contributions by individuals can be acknowledged and
inactive members will be encouraged to participate. Communication
tools such as Groove provides flexibility of time and space. Students
can be at home, at work, overseas or in hospital when discussing
course projects.
Groove
works on peer-to-peer network technology which speeds up the transmission
of messages and information across the network. This CMC tool has
a user-friendly interface and is easy to set up and use. Groove
has been installed on all computers on the 3rd level of the Computer
Centre.
Users
or team members who want to use Groove from outside campus need
to download
and install Groove. (This product is no longer available. Please visit use the collaborative tools in IVLE.)
Other tools in Groove includes:
• Calendering
• Contact List
• File sharing
• Collaborative editing
• Picture sharing
• Collaborative Web surfing
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