This class is set up in Blackboard and students are required to check the course site daily. Fifteen students are enrolled in the class and the professor divided them into four interActive Learning groups of 3-4 students.

For this group activity, the professor sends e-mail to the class list informing the class of the need to develop ground rules. The professor explains the importance of operational ground rules in an online class and she gives two examples of the kind of rules that are needed. She instructs each group to create a list of 5-10 ground rules. She describes the role of group facilitators and lists expectations regarding every student's participation. Upon receiving group lists, the professor will consolidate and post the composite document for class adoption.

Facilitators launch discussion in their groups. Discussion continues over a two-day period, allowing for students in various time zones to participate fully. The facilitator promotes continued involvement of all group members, then synthesizes the group's discussion.

By the deadline, group facilitators forward their group lists to the professor, copying to the rest of the class. The professor immediately consolidates lists and posts the composite document for class adoption.

Summary/Value
The ground rules document is a significant course document that helps create an atmosphere of fairness and respect. The process allows students to learn more about one another and develop a sense of community. The set of ground rules, a significant course document, promotes fairness and respect. The activity requires students to visualize potential problems, then articulate rules to avoid the problems. Students learn from one another, drawing on past experiences of students who have taken online courses or engaged in collaborative work.