4 DISCUSSION
Collectively the results presented here demonstrate that the
semester-long group video assignment blending synchronous and
asynchronous online and in-person teaching tools was perceived as a
positive experience by the students. From every respondent reporting
that this group experience was better than their previous experience, to
detailed comments such as “My team was amazing we helped each either
with respect and without fights” and “This experience has made me less
terrified of group work, and hope that all my future teams are this
good”. Most impressively these responses come in spite of the
difficulties associated with collaborating during COVID-19-induced
national lockdown (and in some cases international travel to home
countries).
Although we have used the term ‘group’ to refer to the student teams
here to avoid confusion with Microsoft Teams, the student responses
illustrate their appreciation of the interdependencies associated with
effective team functioning. This includes exploiting the individual
expertise that each member brought to the team and supporting each other
during lockdown.