Team Science Lessons for Team Teaching

"Team Science" refers to an approach to research using an interdisciplinary group. It might be interesting to extend the discussion of "Team Science" to e-learning. Universities commonly use an approach with one academic in charge of a course, assisted by tutors (much like one researcher with research assistants). Large  on-line courses require a team approach, with subject matter experts, educational designers and content creators.

I mentored a group for Shayne Flint's "Unravelling Complexity" course at ANU last semester. It was interesting to see a group made up of science, law and arts students tackle a problem. My group was working on what to do about e-waste. It is easy to underestimate the diffiulty with a cross-disciplinary team, each member with their own way of working and modes of communication.