What do you do if your collaborative digital learning team lacks a sense of ownership and accountability?

1 Set clear expectations

One of the first steps to ensure that your collaborative digital learning team has a sense of ownership and accountability is to set clear expectations for the team goals, roles, and responsibilities. You can do this by creating a team charter or agreement that outlines the purpose, scope, timeline, deliverables, and norms of the team. Make sure that everyone has a chance to review and agree on the charter, and revisit it regularly to monitor the progress and address any issues.

2 Communicate effectively

Another key factor for a successful collaborative digital learning team is effective communication. You need to communicate frequently and openly with your team members, using the appropriate tools and channels for different purposes. For example, you can use a synchronous tool like Zoom for brainstorming and feedback sessions, and an asynchronous tool like Google Docs for sharing and editing documents. You also need to communicate respectfully and constructively, giving and receiving feedback, acknowledging contributions, and resolving conflicts.

3 Encourage participation

A collaborative digital learning team thrives when everyone participates actively and equally in the learning process. You can encourage participation by creating a safe and supportive team environment, where everyone feels valued and respected. You can also use various strategies to engage your team members, such as asking open-ended questions, assigning different roles, providing choices, and using gamification elements. Additionally, you can celebrate the achievements and milestones of your team, and recognize the efforts and strengths of each member.

4 Monitor and evaluate

A collaborative digital learning team also needs to monitor and evaluate its performance and outcomes, to ensure that it is meeting the expectations and achieving the goals. You can do this by using various tools and methods, such as checklists, rubrics, surveys, and self- and peer-assessments. You can also use data and feedback to identify the gaps and areas for improvement, and make adjustments accordingly. Moreover, you can use reflection and debriefing sessions to learn from the experience and share the lessons learned.

5 Seek support

Finally, a collaborative digital learning team should not hesitate to seek support when it faces challenges or difficulties. You can seek support from various sources, such as your instructor, mentor, coach, or other experts in the field. You can also seek support from other teams or communities that are engaged in similar or related learning projects. By seeking support, you can access valuable resources, insights, and advice that can help you overcome the obstacles and enhance your learning outcomes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?