Software to support student team project working: evaluating a prototype

In this paper a prototype software system to help students to get started on their team project work is evaluated. Using a case study approach, and several cycles of the prototype, it was tested on student undertaking team projects in the information systems discipline. Students experience several difficulties that often prevent them from achieving the best outcomes from their projects, and acquiring the desired team working and IT skills. This system was designed to supplement the existing support tools of groupware or virtual learning environments, by providing support for the maintenance roles of team working. Findings from the study showed that the students did find the system useful, and they envisaged that it would be useful for students working mainly online. The students provided suggestions for ways in which the system could be improved, and its functions enhanced. It is proposed that the system would provide an add-on for existing tools for supporting teams