Online Collaboration
Online collaboration is a way for a group of people to work on the same project over the Internet.
Using collaboration software such as Basecamp, Huddle, OneHub, Google Docs and Wrike people can work together as a team in the same way that they could if they were all working in the same physical location. They can upload files for review and revision by the rest of the team, which can include word documents, spreadsheets, design images, sales forecasts, marketing strategies, blue prints – you name it!
Having the components of a project posted online makes it easy to monitor progress and meet deadlines regardless of where team members are located physically.
For example: The Lanark County High Speed Internet Project is the result of an online collaboration involving a programmer, designer, writer, videographer, and editor…most of whom work from home! Each of these people are able to keep in touch in real-time via online collaboration software, so they can watch the project come together, see what has been done, and work together to accomplish outstanding tasks.
Online collaboration can also offer a considerable amount of flexibility. Because the project information is accessable online to each member, it is possible to work any time day or night, which can be helpful when trying to balance work, family and social commitments.
Having high speed internet also opens up options for conducting meetings which may require visual aids – still without having to come together in the same room. Some allow you to have voice conversations, other just text, some video – some incorporate a virtual whiteboard and others let you share you screen with the group. With all the options that are available there is really no reason that a motivated group could not come together and share ideas no matter the distance … as long as they all have high speed internet!
Some examples:
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