1. SFSU ISYS 363
Fall 2013
Section 01
Group: Flyers

2. Introduction to Group
Collaboration
Group collaboration is necessary for a team of
individuals to work together toward realizing a common
goal. In order for a team to be successful, members
must be open minded, must complete agreed upon
tasks, must meet deadlines, must communicate
effectively on a regular basis, and most importantly work
together.
For a group to effectively collaborate by sharing their
work, refining each other’s work, and combining it all
into a finished product everyone can see at the same
time, an online group collaboration tool is necessary.

3. Introduction to Group
Collaboration Tools
Today’s technology has streamlined group
collaboration by allowing members in different physical
locations to communicate as well as share and combine
work all in real time.
Innovation in mobile technology and online
collaboration tools simplify the process and increase
group cohesiveness. With the help of group
collaboration tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox,
Facebook, Skype and Group texting, group members
are able to effectively communicate, share work, edit
each other’s work, and create a finished product all at
the same time from different locations.

4. Google Drive
Pros:
-Anyone is able to edit/contribute to the same file and
communicate through group messaging at the same time
-Covers a variety of different files
-Secure with Google logins
Cons:
-Not everyone in the group will have Gmail accounts
-Doesn’t look organized when everyone everyone
contributes at different times
-Must be connected to the internet to use

5. Dropbox
Pros:
-Easy to download/access
-Transferring entire files is simple
-Can send large files
Cons:
-Must be downloaded off the web
-Not easy to use with mobile phones
-Not easy to use as a group

6. Facebook
Pros:
-Easy to locate group members
-Most people have an account
-Very easy to communicate as a group (ie. group
messages)
Cons:
-Not extremely secure
-Easy to waste time on other things while logged on
-Can’t send files easily

7. Skype
Pros:
-Face to face conferencing
-Convenient meetings
-Easy communication/collaboration
Cons:
-Not everyone has access to a webcam
-Can’t simultaneously work on a file
-Difficult to share files within a group

8. Group Text
Pros:
-Immediate contact with group members
-Easy for members to contribute to ideas
-Planning meetings is very convenient
Cons:
-Some phones not compatible
-Can be a nuisance for people involved
-No file exchanges

9. Winning Group Collaboration Tools
Group Text & Google Drive
Group Text for Communication:
● Most reliable means to Organize/Plan
● More likely to have a phone in hand than a laptop/
computer
Google Drive for Execution:
● Free, Easy and Effective way to Share, Edit, and
Combine Work into a Finished Product in Real Time

10. SOURCES
1. http://www.cmu.
edu/teaching/designteach/design/instructionalstrategies/groupprojects/ben
efits.html
2. https://drive.google.com/
3. https://www.dropbox.com/
4. https://www.facebook.com/
5. http://www.skype.com/en/
6. http://www.cloudstoragebest.com/reviews/dropbox-review
7. http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2011/may/27/look-pros-and-cons-