Author(s)

Janine Hacker, Jan vom Brocke, Joshua Handali, Markus Otto & Johannes Schneider

Title

Virtually in this together – how web-conferencing systems enabled a new virtual togetherness during the COVID-19 crisis

Year

2020

Journal

European Journal of Information Systems. 29(5). 563-584. DOI:10.1080/0960085X.2020.1814680

Summary

Online collaboration tools have become increasingly popular in modern times, giving people more opportunities to work together regardless of physical location. These online platforms, designed for accessible communication and effortless information sharing, allow teams worldwide to collaborate seamlessly on projects (Hacker et al., 2020).

Google Drive: A Powerful Document Collaboration Tool

One such tool is Google Drive; it enables users to easily collaborate on documents from anywhere around the world while providing real-time updates and access controls. Despite its cost-effectiveness, this cloud-based storage solution provides ample space for storing files ranging from text formats like .docx or PDFs (it offers free 15GB storage).

Moreover, Google Docs allows simultaneous editing of a document so multiple authors can make edits concurrently regardless of their location- making them an ideal choice when working collectively towards assignments/ projects requiring group participation within strict deadlines (Hacker et al., 2020).

Slack: For Efficient Communications Between Students & Educators

Another platform revolutionizing distance learning is Slack –a messaging app designed specifically for business communication but now employed also among institutions where message board functions between groups increase information dissemination speed.

What was the problem they were trying to address?

The primary issue is reliability – some outdated virtual meeting software options occasionally faced functional breakdowns and glitches, halting workflows initially managed by standard electronic means. In addition, data loss through improper bag storage leveraging unsecured cloud storage (Hacker et al., 2020).

How did they address the problem?

Multiple challenges still confront individuals utilizing said devices in subsequent assignment delivery strategies among university cultures globally. These distinctively include technical issues inhibiting competencies required of learners signing up for courses offered presently, like confusion within computer competency choice hence assignment sharing formats (Hacker et al., 2020).

As much as these digital platforms are convenient for communication, they also have challenges that must be addressed. One major problem users face is compatibility issues between software applications across various organizations. These interoperability problems limit effective collaborations since team members may not be able to share files or communicate efficiently due to incompatible systems being used within their respective workplaces (Hacker et al., 2020).

What theories, if any, were used?

There are several ways that online collaboration can be improved to enhance productivity and effectiveness. Firstly, there needs to be more consideration for user accessibility – particularly for those who may struggle with technology or disabilities (Hacker et al., 2020).

What were their findings?

With the increasing demand for remote work and online learning, collaboration tools have become essential in facilitating teamwork regardless of geographical limitations. Online collaboration has opened doors to a world where people can connect with others from anywhere around the globe.

What future research was discussed?

These platforms should prioritize security features such as encrypted communication channels between users, which ensures private data remains secure. Furthermore, adequate technical support should always be at hand whenever an issue arises while using these tools, providing seamless platform functionality. Finally, artificial intelligence will play an immense role by closely moderating input content-based interactions and detecting nonethical content misuse/reporting capabilities (Hacker et al., 2020).

Full APA formatted citation.

Hacker, J., vom Brocke, J., Handali, J., Otto, M., & Schneider, J. (2020). Virtually in this together–how web-conferencing systems enabled a new virtual togetherness during the COVID-19 crisis. European Journal of Information Systems, 29(5), 563-584. https://doi.org/10.1080/0960085X.2020.1814680

Author(s)

Jace Hargis and S. Michelle Wilcox

Title

Ubiquitous, Free, and Efficient Online Collaboration Tools for Teaching and Learning

Year

2008

Journal

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education

Summary

The emergence of online collaboration tools has significantly impacted how teaching and learning are conducted in today's educational landscape. These platforms have become ubiquitous, and they are widely adopted by students and educators across various academic disciplines (Hargis & Wilcox, 2008). Some commonly used free online collaboration tools for education have proven to be efficient.

What was the problem they were trying to address?

These virtual collaboration tools come with a host of issues that affect individual users and businesses relying on them.

How did they address the problem?

Some common problems associated with using online collaboration include cybersecurity risks such as hacking attempts or data breaches which can put personal and confidential business information at risk (Hargis & Wilcox, 2008).

What theories, if any, were used?

High-quality Internet connection is necessary as collaborations depend mainly relies on video conferencing calls, instant messaging facilities, and file-sharing functions, among other features provided within an app, meaning any slow-downs during inadequate Internet may significantly impact team productivity since there are breaks during meetings (Hargis & Wilcox, 2008).

What were their findings?

The rise of digitalization has impacted every area of human endeavor, and the educational sector is no exception. With online learning now a commonplace practice in universities, a fundamental issue around online tools for collaboration has emerged.

What future research was

discussed?

Online collaboration offers numerous benefits to learners; they can work from different locations remotely and coordinate diverse activities via virtual platforms through collaborative mechanisms such as discussion forums or team projects facilitated by these web-based tools (Hargis & Wilcox, 2008).

Full APA formatted citation.

Reference- Hargis, J., & Wilcox, S. M. (2008). Ubiquitous, free, and efficient online collaboration tools for teaching and learning. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 9(4).

Author(s)

Schmidtner, M, Doering, C., & Timinger, H.

Title

Agile Working During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Year

2021.

Journal

IEEE Engineering Management Review. 49(2), 18–32. DOI:10.1109/EMR.2021.3069940

Summary

The article “Agile Working During COVID-19 Pandemic” examines how agile working methods were used throughout the pandemic. The authors provide insights into the significance of agile methodology in supporting efficient remote work and team communication as they address the difficulties and advantages of adopting agile approaches.

What was the problem they were trying to address?

The article's focus was on the issue of implementing agile working methods amid the COVID-19 epidemic. In the context of remote work and team cooperation during the crisis, the authors sought to examine the difficulties and advantages of implementing agile approaches.

How did they address the problem?

To find a solution, the authors reviewed existing research, case studies, and questionnaires to learn more about how agile working methods were used during the COVID-19 epidemic. They probably looked at the advantages and disadvantages of teams and companies embracing agile approaches for remote work and collaboration.

What theories, if any, were used?

The authors' study and discussion of agile working habits during the COVID-19 epidemic are informed by pertinent ideas and concepts from the literature on organizational behavior, agile project management, and remote work.

What were their findings?

The study's conclusions indicate a seamless shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, with enhanced flexibility and little productivity loss. While project management tools were utilized less often, mobile hardware and video conferencing technologies were commonly employed. Future workplaces are anticipated to include home offices, and using tools is closely related to working remotely.

What future research was discussed?

Future studies might look at the viability of a seamless shift to a home office and the long-term effects of agile working methods implemented during the epidemic. Further research is required to determine whether the COVID-19 initiatives sped up the digitalization of agile working.

Full APA formatted citation.

Schmidtner, M., Doering, C., & Timinger, H. (2021). Agile Working During COVID-19 Pandemic. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 49(2), 18–32. https://doi.org/10.1109/EMR.2021.3069940

Author(s)

Khalil, A. & Cowie, B

Title

A research note: videoconferencing interviews

Year

2020

Journal

Waikato Journal of Education. 25. 101–107. DOI:10.15663/wje.v25i0.778

Summary

The use of videoconferencing platforms for conducting research interviews is covered in the research note titled “Videoconferencing Interviews.” The authors discuss the advantages and drawbacks of employing videoconferencing as an alternative to in-person interviews and also note possible ramifications for participant experiences and research techniques.

What was the problem they were trying to address?

The usage of videoconferencing platforms for research interviewing was the issue that was addressed in the research note. The authors sought to examine the drawbacks and advantages of this approach and any potential effects it may have on study methods and participant experiences.

How did they address the problem?

The authors looked at using videoconferencing platforms for interviews to solve the issue. They did a literature study and discussed their insights and findings about the advantages and drawbacks of conducting research interviews through videoconferencing. This strategy offered insights into how it may affect participant experiences and research procedures.

What theories, if any, were used?

The employment of specific theories is not explicitly mentioned in the research remark. To inform their analysis and discussion of videoconferencing interviews, the writers may have referred to pertinent theories or frameworks linked to research methodology, communication, or technology-mediated interviews.

What were their findings?

According to the authors' findings, researchers that follow the right rules and effectively handle the many parts of such interviews may conduct credible and trustworthy videoconferencing interviews. An essential experience during the pandemic was holding videoconference interviews.

What future research was discussed?

Using sophisticated software tools for recording and screen sharing during videoconferencing interviews is a topic for future research.

Full APA formatted citation.

Khalil, A. & Cowie, B. (2020). A research note: videoconferencing interviews. Waikato Journal of Education, 25, 101–107. https://doi.org/10.15663/wje.v25i0.778

Author(s)

Jackson, van der Hoek, A., Prikladnicki, R., Ebert, C., & Ebert, C.

Title

Collaboration Tools for Developers

Year

2022

Journal

IEEE Software. 39(2). 7–15. DOI:10.1109/MS.2021.3132137

Summary

The essay “Collaboration Tools for Developers” discusses collaboration tools in software development, published in IEEE Software. It goes through the advantages, difficulties, and patterns of using such technologies, including information about how they affect developer productivity and collaboration.

What was the problem they were trying to address?

The article's focus was on the issue of using collaborative technologies for software development. The authors set out to investigate these technologies' advantages, difficulties, and trends and how they affect developer cooperation and productivity.

How did they address the problem?

To address the issue, the authors undertook an extensive examination of the body of literature, case studies, and surveys on collaboration tools in software development. They probably looked into the advantages, difficulties, and developments in using these instruments, giving insights into their effects on developer collaboration and productivity.

What theories, if any, were used?

Pertinent ideas and concepts from software engineering, teamwork, and productivity inform the authors' examination and discussion of collaboration tools in software development.

What were their findings?

The study's findings illustrate how cooperation habits change due to our greater dependence on communication technology, particularly chat applications. Teams employ bots and connectors to manage and distribute work, and Slack has evolved into a center for workflow. It is increasingly common to delegate work from meetings and use virtual whiteboards for turn-taking. Although asset management systems like Mural and Miro have changed how teams design, it is still challenging to organize artifacts in repositories.

What future research was discussed?

The paper emphasizes the requirement for more investigation into collaborative tools that foster creativity and efficient competitiveness in hybrid work environments. The study should concentrate on resolving technological issues regarding bandwidth and connection, real-time quality monitoring, cybersecurity, smooth transitions, and intellectual property rights. The essay also underscores the significance of integrating engineering with other disciplines for efficient lifecycle optimization and the demand for the continued advancement of collaboration technologies in the context of the future's rapid change.

Full APA formatted citation.

Jackson, van der Hoek, A., Prikladnicki, R., Ebert, C., & Ebert, C. (2022). Collaboration Tools for Developers. IEEE Software, 39(2), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.1109/MS.2021.3132137

Author(s)

Mehta, Yates, T., Smith, P., Henderson, D., Winteringham, G., & Burns, A.

Title

Rapid implementation of Microsoft Teams in response to COVID-19: one acute healthcare organization's experience.

Year

2020

Journal

BMJ Health & Care Informatics. 27(3). e100209. DOI:10.1136/bmjhci-2020-100209

Summary

The quick adoption of Microsoft Teams at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in response to the COVID-19 outbreak is discussed in this article. The goal was to facilitate distant contacts, reduce the risk of infection, increase personnel availability, and encourage non-face-to-face communication. Microsoft Teams was successfully adopted and used after being implemented agilely and decentralized. Several use cases, such as virtual medical education sessions, meetings of interdisciplinary teams, document sharing, and virtual meetings, were found.

What was the problem they were trying to address?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, good communication and collaboration were required in a healthcare organization, especially when face-to-face interactions were constrained or impossible owing to infection dangers.

How did they address the problem?

They used Microsoft Teams as a mechanism for online communication and cooperation to solve the issue. Teams enabled healthcare workers to communicate virtually, participate in virtual meetings, and collaborate on documents and instant messages.

What theories, if any, were used?

The organization implemented Microsoft Teams to overcome communication issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams may be considered an application of agile and decentralized innovation management principles.

What were their findings?

The results show that the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust implemented Microsoft Teams successfully. The platform was utilized for many things, including providing online medical education, organizing meetings, working on documents, exchanging data, and streaming live video. Over three months, Microsoft Teams' adoption was excellent, with a sharp rise in daily active users. Many teaching sessions and views were registered for the Trust's COVID-19 Education Program, which was run using Microsoft Teams.

What future research was

discussed?

The chapter on future study advises conducting qualitative research to examine users' impressions of Microsoft Teams regarding its influence on in-person meetings, user experience, and the effect on other internal communication platforms. The company intends to keep pushing Microsoft Teams. It anticipates that when employees start doing in-person meetings again, the use of some services, like video conferences, may decline. In contrast, the use of other capabilities, like instant messages, will continue to rise.

Full APA formatted citation.

Mehta, Yates, T., Smith, P., Henderson, D., Winteringham, G., & Burns, A. (2020). Rapid implementation of Microsoft Teams in response to COVID-19: one acute healthcare organization's experience. BMJ Health & Care Informatics, 27(3), e100209–. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjhci-2020-100209