Partially Distributed Teams critical thinking learning across distances
Abstract:
With advances in technology, teams are no longer restricted by distance and time barriers. A partially distributed team (PDT) can be defined as a team with two subteams. Each subteam consists of multiple collocated members. However, any two subteams are geographically distant from one another. As PDTs are increasingly prevalent in organizations, it is important to prepare students to collaborate in a PDT context. This thesis explores how PDT team dynamics impact student learning. Over 700 students from 15 universities collaborated in PDTs during a five-week project. Students completed training on PDT collaboration and worked to design an emergency management information system (EMIS). Students completed weekly surveys and reflections throughout the project, which were used to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the impact of team dynamics on student learning. Overall, positive team interactions resulted in higher learning levels in terms of both PDT collaboration and EMIS knowledge.
