Online vs Offline Collaboration Tools

Online and Offline Tools

• There is no single simple answer when choosing which tools to use
• Each tool comes with its own benefits and considerations in line with objectives
• Goal setting and company preferences help decide between online and offline solutions

Audience Engagement

• Start by understanding the target audience through key questions
• Consider age, location for internet access
• Determine their media consumption preferences to improve engagement
• If unsure always ask the audience directly

Forced Collaboration

• Collaboration relies on trust and a shared vision to succeed
• Trust and vision cannot be forced
• Most teams begin as cooperative groups and evolve into collaborative teams
• Successful collaboration remains voluntary regardless of external pressure

Team Dynamics

• Cooperative groups resemble networks based on respect and shared rules
• Members are autonomous but commit to share information and tasks
• Collaborative groups are interdependent, guided by shared values and vision
• Evolving relationships within collaborative groups lead to trust and transparency

Avoiding Pitfalls in Collaboration

• Pushing groups into collaboration too quickly can lead to failure
• Fake trust is more harmful than genuine respect.
• Vulnerability without trust feels risky
• Interdependence requires exploring roles and shared tasks

Complementary Approaches to Collaboration

• Collaboration and cooperation complement each other with independent work
• Collaborative groups can become insular and prone to groupthink
• Well-functioning teams may miss innovation due to comfort
• Collaborative work can cause emotional stress
• Conflict may arise and feel personal due to deeper connections

Design Thinking

• Employing collaborative groups happens in design thinking
• Team members give each other feedback across groups
• Groups review work to provide outside perspective
• This networked approach keeps ideas fresh and encourages thinking differently

Google Suite as Communication Tool

• Google LLC is updating Gmail for business users to improve online collaboration
• Popular tools are being added into Gmail to avoid tab switching, encouraging integration
• These tools include Chat, Rooms, and Meet
• Updates seek to create integrated workspace environment

Google Suite Access

• Access these tools from the same Gmail app on phones or desktop, creating ease of use
• For example you can view chats and Google doc side by side with Google Meet hovering

Google Rooms

• Google Rooms lets users share files and tasks within any space
• Now users can open and edit docs in rooms without leaving Gmail
• New features include joining video calls from chat and creating tasks
• Gmail’s search capabilities integrate Chat results

Google Security Features

• New security features for Chat and Meet were launched, starting with consumer and G Suite
• Safety lock feature lets hosts select attendees
• Knocking controls prevent rejoining after being kicked out of meeting
• Future workspace features include picture-in-picture for video calls and Meet integration with Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Google Suite - Pros

• Enables choosing the level of interactivity, accessible from phones and desktops

Google Suite - Cons

• Can be instrusive with security risks. There are unpredictable and difficult to manage apps

Trello Growth

• Trello has grown quickly since spinning off from software firm Fog Creek three years prior
• Millions of users are added per month
• It's acquisition by Australian collaboration software firm Atlassian helped reach 25 million users

Trello Focus

• Trello's growth is based on viral adoption
• Like Slack and Dropbox which relied on end user adoption
• Trello looks like the future as it is becoming more common

Trello Beginnings

• Trello started in January 2011 as a high-level planning prototype with Fog Creek
• Has grown to be it's own company with co-founder Michael Pryor as CEO

Trello Features

• Trello organizes projects into boards and tells users what is being worked on
• Manages progress
• Functions as a collaborative work management tool and has grown in popularity
• Like Asana, Workfront, Smartsheet, Planview and Projectplace
• Prioritizes features that are lightweight and easy to use. It's initial use was for small teams of 10 users or even personal use

Trello Workflow

• Uses Kanban principles with boards, lists, and cards
• A board focuses on starting websites or employee on-boarding, etc
• Lists exist within the board to show progress
• Cards hold task information and are moved when completed

Trello Collaboration

• Trello allows collaboration and file uploading
• Provides integration, "power-ups" with programs like Google Drive, Slack, and Salesforce

Trello Navigation

• Home view, new and latest feature, is a navigation hub and newsfeed for users
• Reminds the user to jump to boards or cards they missed

Trello Versatility

• Used for more than tasks, like itineraries and planning holidays
• Its flexibility is part of the appeal

Trello - Pros

• It's free with real time updates

Trello - Cons

• Handles big projects weakly and is not the best tool to collaborate with
• Needs 3rd party app for communication. It makes adding members simple

Monday.com Real Time Collaboration

• Relatively new collaboration form in real-time using a collective expertise platform
• Monday is a software that allows ease towards document and task sharing
• Creates real time collaboration and common goal

Monday.com - Team Roles

• Team collaboration is when everyone knows eachother but is the opposite of cross functional

Monday.com - Globalization

• Video conferencing and cloud software has increased communication

Monday.com - Sharing

• Community collab revolves around the idea of sharing without hoarding information

Monday.com - Pros

• Mobile and calendar options exist
• Automates platform integration and task assignments

Monday.com - Cons

• API is in process and there is no free plan

Information Age

• Using technology in the era of information makes access easier and provides a wider range of knowledge

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• ICT can bring about change and action

Matthew Keplan on Advocacy

• Matthew said that advocacy in democracy is about getting what people want out of the government

ICT in Recent History

• ICT has a history of being used to promote advocacy in the Philippines

Yolanda People Finder Details

• Yolanda People Finder began after recent storms where tracking relatives proved difficult

Web Project Development Life Cycle

• Professionally designed website improves traffic

Web Project Steps

• Includes Discovery, Documentation, Planning, Design, Development, Testing, Maintenance

Website Planning - Phase 1

• Identifies needs and provides the perfect solution aligned with website goals

Website Planning - Phase 2

• Implements design aligned with the website's goal and plan

Website Planning - Phase 3

• Designs with an appeal to make the website unique and avoid bounce rate

Website Planning - Phase 4

• Development creates the first Homepage and considers CMS

Website Planning - Phase 5

• It is tested for functionality, compatibility, and performance to ensure the process went correct

Website Planning - Phase 6

• Feedback and support updates the process