Project 1

1. Project #1
SFSU ISYS 363-01 Fall 2013
Marlins

2. Project #1 - Group Collaboration tools
Purpose
Throughout the semester we will be
working in a large group with
incompatible schedules. We will
need to establish use of tools that:
● Will allow us to work-group
independent of location or device
● Will satisfy the needs of each
project (communication, word
processing, presentations, etc.)
● Will be easy to use and access
for all group members
Criteria for Consideration:
● Tools must be innately
collaborative--we hope to send
no large files across email
● Tools must be free
● The more members using the
tool already, the better
● Must be easy to use
● Tools should not use excessive
memory on mobile devices
● Tools should make collaboration
simple and stress-free

3. Tools Evaluated
● iLearn - an online learning environment for SFSU
students.
● Google Drive - a file storage and synchronization
service. Drive is also the home of Google Docs, a suite
of productivity applications.
● Facebook Groups - a forum of sorts, a way of enabling
a number of people to come together online to share
information and discuss a specific topic.
● Wunderlist - a cloud-based task-, list-, and project-
management service.
● Skype - a voice-over IP service and instant messaging
client. Unlike other VoIP services Skype is a hybrid
peer-to-peer and client server system.

4. iLearn
Pros
● Private and secure network
● Option for instant notifications in SFSU students’ emails
● Centralized location for course materials
● Guaranteed contact with the instructors and group members
● Maintained by professional IT staff
● No advertisements
Cons
● No video calling or chat available
● Not very user friendly
● Limited document sharing functionality
● Not checked frequently by some students
● Limited or no access when the site is under maintenance
● Impossible to edit files from other applications, such as Word, Excel,

5. Google Drive
Pros
● Syncs with other Google Apps, includes Google Docs
● 5GB free storage
● Auto-saves
● Has a variety of features which facilitate collaboration across the
productivity suite
● E-mail notifications and responses
● Capable of simultaneous collaboration on the same file
● Let’s users see what other users are editing the document in real-
time
● The most simple way to share documents and collaborate
Cons
● Doesn’t offer as much free storage as Microsoft SkyDrive
● User interface is sometimes confusing
● Monthly Payment for more storage space
● Chat function often has errors

6. Facebook Groups
Pros
● Everyone is on Facebook- Facebook users are familiar with the tools of
Facebook therefore, users don’t need to learn a whole new set of tools.
● Group Chat- live instant messaging.
● Events- creating events for group members, making it easier to see who is
attending or not.
● Tagging- tagging allows your group members to see the right posts
● Privacy settings- Secret, Closed, and Public available
● Seen by- tells users which group mates have read a post
Cons
● Fast moving stream- if your group is really active, you can easily miss a
post.
● Heavy on notifications- once added to a group, you can receive a bunch of
emails and notifications.
● Mobile Version- limited capabilities.
● Uneven Engagement- some group members rarely participate in
discussions.
● Questionable if appropriate for businesses

7. Wunderlist
Pros
● Free to share to-do lists for collaborative task management
● Syncs across all major platforms
● Both email, in browser, and in-app notifications
● Smooth and seamless design
● Subtasks, reminders, recurring tasks
● Simple user-friendly interface
Cons
● Unpredictable sync frequency
● Does not clearly state Facebook privacy terms
● Lacks some predictive features of competitors like Evernote
● Relatively large application file
● No monthly calendar view

8. Skype
Pros
● Free to join and download to your computer
● Free video calls and instant messaging
● Available for PCs, Macs, and Smartphones
● Low costs for unlimited calls to other countries
● File and screen sharing
Cons
● Peer-to-peer networking is heavy on processing power which
ultimately can cause your system to crash
● Skype’s peer-to-peer networking makes it possible for
hackers to access your personal information
● High-speed internet connection is needed
● Poor video quality from time to time makes it unusable for
important calls

9. Our Winners...
Google Drive
● Google Drive is the most accessible and useful open-
source collaboration and communication tool we
assessed. It allowed us to seamlessly work together in
remote locations.
Facebook Groups
● Facebook groups is the easiest way to reliably contact
students. It lacks professionalism but is nonetheless
appropriate for a student group.
By using these tools we should be able to complete group
projects throughout the semester with ease.

10. Sources
http://www.skype.com/en/premium/
http://www.ehow.com/list_5918123_cons-skype.html
http://tweakyourbiz.com/marketing/2011/07/10/6-pros-and-6-cons-of-using-
facebook-groups-to-organise-an-event/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/254457/google_drive_the_pros_and_cons.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/software/wunderlist-to-do-task/4505-3513_7-
35759699.html
https://www.wunderlist.com/
https://www.facebook.com/about/groups