Studying Online;Succeeding through Distance Learning at University

QUICK TIP: Only collaborate with other students on group ex-
ercises and group work set by your lecturers. 
However, lecturers will want you to collaborate for tutorial dis-
cussions, for instance, or for other group exercises. As explained 
at the start of this chapter, there is plenty of evidence that shows 
when you collaborate with other students, your understanding 
and ability to evaluate things critically goes up. In other words, 
collaboration is good for your academic thinking. Tat means it is 
good to discuss things with fellow students. It is helpful to work 
with them on improving knowledge and understanding. It is just 
not a good idea to extend that collaboration so you work jointly on 
elements of your assessment that are individual. You want to be 
assessed for what you know, not for what others know. 
PRACTICAL TIPS 
y
Check out university systems for collaboration. 
Your university 
is likely to have a variety of software programs that can be used 
for collaboration with other students on group work. Make sure 
you get to know these systems. There are several advantages to 
using these systems rather than your own. 
y
Use social media for collaboration. 
Social media can enhance 
your group work by encouraging and supporting fellow students. 

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146 Studying online 
y
Start collaboration early. 
The sooner you start group work, the 
better. Don’t delay; this just adds to stress and can lead to lower 
marks. 
y
Use an online project management tool. 
Get software that al-
lows you to share the progress of work being done by each team 
member. Kanban-style software is available on the web and in 
apps that provide an easy way to keep group work on track. 
y