Course Content
1. Overview of Online Collaboration
2. Online Collaboration tools for women entrepreneurs
Online Collaboration tools: Gmail
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2.1
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2.2
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2.3
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2.4
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2.5
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2.6
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2.7
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2.8
3. Online Collaboration Tools: Google Calendar
4. Netiquette for effective Online Collaboration
5. Conclusions
Through this module we have gained a clear understanding of online collaboration, the two main types (synchronous & asynchronous, its advantages for entrepreneurs and business owners as well as the limitations it can impose. In addition, this module also presented the different categories of online collaboration tools that women entrepreneurs can take advantage of to brainstorm, share files, organize tasks and communicate virtually. The module suggests specific tools and provides step by step guides and videos for implementation. After covering the use of online collaboration tools/software, the last topic of the module focuses on the importance of netiquette and includes tips on how to communicate and collaborate effectively online. To sum up, in today’s digital era, online collaboration is extremely important and beneficial especially for entrepreneurs and small business that want to expand their companies. Make sure to take advantage of the guides and tips in this module and make use of the right online collaboration tools for your business.
1.2 Types of online collaboration
Synchronous Online Collaboration
Synchronous online collaboration takes place when people work together online in real-time while they are either in the same room or at different locations (eztalks.com, n.d). For example, online collaboration tools and software like Google Docs can be used to allow two or more people to edit and write documents at the same time even if they are located on opposite sides of the world. In other cases, colleagues can use a video conferencing platform (e.g. Zoom), and brainstorm ideas via interactive whiteboards (e.g. Miro). Team communication tools (e.g. Slack) allow users to send instant messages to others privately or to different groups of people at once. In this way they can receive feedback or answers to certain questions instantly without having to communicate through email.
Asynchronous Online Collaboration
Asynchronous online collaboration takes place when people work together on the same project at different times, whether they are in the same room or located in different places (eztalks.com, n.d). The most well-known form of asynchronous online collaboration tools is email. Digital calendars (e.g Google Calendar) are also considered tools for asynchronous online collaboration as they have features for managing and scheduling meetings, deadlines and other tasks. Additionally, online storage tools (e.g. Google Drive) enable asynchronous collaboration as one person can work on something in their own time and upload it on the storage tool when they are done, so another person can continue afterwards