MHRM 6100 + Week 4

     Over the past four weeks, I have not used different mobile technology or social media tools.  I tend to go with what I know and what has worked in the past for me.  Many times in my life I have made things much more complicated then they need to be.  This is one experience I have kept it simple.  Simple appears to work!  However, given that, there are some applications for mobile technology and social media tools that can enhance the learning environment.  Outside of actually calling a fellow student, my cell phone is a great tool for texting fellow students regarding a variety of topics.  Additionally, email, twitter and facebook tabs can be established on my cell phone home screen to provide on-going, real time dialog.  This would provide me with a better feel for how my class mates are doing, what the concerns or issues of the moment are and on-going communication on class topics.

     As to social media, the biggest opportunity for me at this point and time are professional social media groups.  Even though Indeed.com presents an opportunity to network with other professionals for purpose of finding work, it also presents an opportunity to talk to like minded professionals that also challenge my way of thinking, thus providing additional opportunities to learn. 

     Speaking of learning and discoveries, I have concluded that our virtual class team is in the norming stage of Tuckman's team stage development.  Tuckman identified team stage development as forming, storming, norming, and performing.  As characteristic with the norming stage, our team appears to be open and eager to sharing our thoughts, ideas, and concepts with one another (Chaneski, 2009).  There seems to be a level of trust among the group that invites respectful disagreement among class members (Chaneski, 2009).  Classmates have taken on individual responsibility for their role.  This is in the face of the fact that we have not dealt with a situation where buy-in for a team decision was required.  We have bought into and lived by the rules and policies established for the team by our fearless leader: Dr. Gravitt.  This evaluation is based on team dynamics that have evolved as the Professor has lead the process and members have complied.  The next evaluation of this team should come if the team becomes responsible for leading a particular project.

Chaneski, W. S. (2009). The stages teams go through. Modern Machine Shop, 82(3), 34–36. Retrieved from: http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/pqdweb?did=1843863981&sid=3&Fmt=4&clientId=70192&RQT=309&VName=PQD