Tip #7: Virtual Study Groups

One of the best experiences you get in university is to meet other students and brainstorm ideas. This brainstorming and discussing different view-points, ideas and approaches to solve problems is very, very valuable!

But when everything moves online, sometimes quite suddenly as it has happened now, this network of peers may be disrupted.

It is even more important to maintain social connections these days -- when we're practicing physical distancing or self-isolation. Virtual study groups are a way to maintain peer connections.

What can you do?

• Reach out to your peers and create virtual study groups.
• Create virtual groups on Dal's subscription for Microsoft Teams (comes with access to SharePoint, Teams chat, documents, etc.)
  • This is important because -- (a) all students have access to these tools that Dal offers, and (b) your privacy is important and all data is stored in Canadian servers.
• Expect asynchronous communication --
  • It is likely that many of you are juggling many different responsibilities right now.
  • Acknowledge this aspect, and do not expect your peers or people you work with to be able to respond instantly.
  • Have some rules as a group on what you expect from each other.
• Recognize that Academic Integrity is important --
  • Courses are designed to teach you concepts and assess YOUR learning.
  • While study groups help you brainstorm ideas, DO NOT exchange actual solutions (code, logic, reports, documents, etc.).
  • Recognize that the academic integrity rules STILL apply, be it remote participation or live participation.
  • Understand Dalhousie's academic integrity policy, especially now.
• Respect each others' boundaries, please.
• Ask your course instructors if you have questions about rules around forming virtual study groups.

Try it out.

Take care, and may the Force be with you.