GroupTable

 [|GroupTable]  is a social media tool that provides users an opportunity to easily create collaborative groups. It is similar to other technologies usually associated with LMS or CMSs. GroupTable has discussion boards which encourage users to collaborate. Document sharing is also hosted on the site allowing users to distribute materials with ease. Task management applications help prioritize tasks and define members’ roles.  Once you create an account, Grouptable presents a tutorial that assist users in learning the interface. They also guide users in creating their first group and binder. There is also a link for FAQ. [].  GroupTable could be used for all types of curriculum. For instance, in this Emerging Technology course there are no modules with content being delivered through flash or captivate. All of the lower level learning products of links, comments, and discussion board posts that we are engaged in during this course can be accomplished using this tool. Essentially all of the objectives that are reached through the SJU LMS could be obtained using GroupTable.  In addition to course work it is an excellent tool for communities of practice. Students who wish to meet outside the”Walls” of a university could choose to use this tool to collaborate. If a teacher wanted to transition an ILT course into a blended course offering they could use GroupTable for instructional delivery outside of the classroom.  Challenges of using GroupTable are that it does not seem as secure as tools that are hosted on LMSs. It is also relatively new and not as popular, so establishing groups on this site may not be that easy. I would recommend bringing other groups established in other venues(work, school, social networking sites) to this tool.  Another down fall is hosting heavy content that requires substantial space. Administrative privileges are not as advanced as a typical LMS or CMS.  More intricate and effective versions of GroupTable can be purchased. I have only experimented with the free version so I can’t validate that they are better. Although GroupTable claims that their features in the more expensive versions are closer to those of an LMS.

