Networks

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) mechanisms allow team members to communicate over a network and share objects during their collaborations. Electronic distribution over the Internet can simplify distribution between remote units of the school system, and such distribution techniques saves paper and time (information float) and provides easy dissemination of various materials to geographically dispersed team members. Geographically dispersed team members are common-place in school systems where team members are stationed at various schools.

E-mail is a basic CMC mechanism that is being used to replaced interoffice memos and has become a standard way of distributing materials in many schools. E-mail is not as intrusive as a phone call and thus can exchange information in a convenient format using little time and effort. Electronic communication also provides a record of processes and reasons behind decisions. E-mail is generally thought of as asynchronous, but has recently emerged into synchronous real-time conferencing much like the telephone (real-time video conferencing occurs through computers after a signal is received much like a telephone ringing).

The Internet can provide instantaneous communication without a local area network (LAN). Internet allows instant communication to all team members and allows the exchange of materials (artifacts) to sites as far away as the other side of the globe (Web Technologies). The Internet provides the means for sending a request for urgent information to team members at remote sites, anywhere, anytime with the likelihood of receiving the requested information in a much shorter period of time than conventional methods. Electronic meetings are possible and practical over the Internet, and the ability of aggressive individuals to dominate discussion in meetings is limited when meetings are conducted electronically (Team Meetings).

The capability to communicate quickly and with less inhibition allows problems to be addressed and resolved more quickly. Additionally, electronic communication allows a larger pool of talent to draw from because people from anywhere can communicate with the team easily. Electronic communication enables people to play more of a role than they might have in traditional school systems because they can be more aware of activities, and they can become more easily involved. Through collaborative technologies, teachers and team members may be able to call on the services of consultants who will work over the network, and students may be able to call on teachers who work out of their homes or a local office.

Characteristics of Team Networks

• Team networks place the emphasis on a network of individuals rather than hardware and wire.
• Team network is a form of organization that still contains some hierarchy and bureaucracy.
• Team networks are no longer considered a fringe benefit to schools and organizations, but a crucial organizing principle.
• Team networks are as much a process as a structure.
• Team networks enable people to metaphorically expand their Rolodex of a hundred people to 10,000 potential resources.
• Team networks have one organizing imperative - connectivity.

Checklist for Establishing Team Networks

• Involve all team members beginning with the startup phase.
• Involve all team members in defining and developing the team network purpose.
• Involve all team members in establishing standards for working on the network (platforms, software, shared artifacts, team meeting structure and process).
• Involve all team members in leadership roles. Leadership roles have high learning impact for individual team members.
• Involve all team members in regularly scheduled meetings.
• Involve all team members in the processes of continually adding links to the network. Adding links to the network keeps the structure of the team network from being flat and dominated by hierarchy.

Cautions with Team Networks

$Networks are multilevel rather than flat thus diminishing hierarchy. Some team members may have trouble adapting to this type of organizing structure.

$Some team members may be reluctant to take on leadership roles.

$A shift in mindset is required for most team members to accept networks as the organization rather than a fringe to the organization.

Adapted by Lipnack and Stamps, 1997.

Last updated: March 10, 1998