Each group will be composed of three on-site and two distance-program students. This ratio is perfect as of the first day of class. If someone adds, they will join the group that provides them the best fit. If someone drops, c'est la vie.
Please form your group and give it a name by noon, January 14th. If you cannot decide by that point, I will fill all the gaps in the groups myself.
Please engage in a discussion with your classmates in e-mail or via WebBoard in order to form balanced groups. Factors to consider include the following:
Once your group is formed, let me know what you require in the way of storage space, MOO space, WebBoard space, and that sort of thing. Using your group name, I will create a MOO room with an exit from our 5376 classroom and a WebBoard conference, if you wish.
Everyone always worries about free riders in group projects. I do not expect this to be a problem with a graduate class. But here's further incentive: no one is entitled to be a member of a group. Each individual earns and keeps that right through his/her deeds. If someone is not assisting the group, he or she may be kicked out. This individual can try to find another group to take him/her in, and if no one will do this, then that person will have to act as a group of one. Not a pretty sight, so it would be better for everyone to participate.
Like any manager, I do not want to hear daily complaints about your co-workers. I expect you to resolve your group problems yourselves. I will help you resolve your problems if you have exhausted all other avenues, but in this course, as in industry, going to the boss to solve your problems always burns up a little goodwill, and you can only dip into that well so many times before there's nothing left.