University of Colorado Boulder
Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups

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University of Colorado Boulder

Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups

Matthew Koschmann

Instructor: Matthew Koschmann

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(3,626 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
9 hours to complete
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(3,626 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
9 hours to complete
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Recognize how hidden forces of context, systems, institutions, and interactions design affect group interaction

  • Develop decision making practices in order to become more creative and innovative

  • Learn how to communicate to resolve or diffuse group conflicts

  • Make better decisions about using technology for group work based on key practical and conceptual considerations

Details to know

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Assessments

6 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

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This course is part of the Business Communication Specialization
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There are 4 modules in this course

Most people go through life running on the “factory-installed” version of communication: the transmission model. It works for simple exchanges, but it’s like trying to run the latest apps on outdated software—it just can’t keep up. In Module 1, you’ll get the upgrade. By exploring communication as social construction, you’ll see how meaning, understanding, and interpretation are the real drivers of group life. You’ll also uncover the hidden forces—like context, systems, and design—that shape every interaction. By the end, you’ll start seeing communication not as a background process, but as the engine of group success.

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 assignment

Groups don’t just “happen”—they grow, adapt, and sometimes crash. Module 2 shows you how. You’ll learn how roles, norms, and group cultures take shape, and how decision-making can go very right—or very wrong. We’ll explore common decision traps and how to avoid them, while also giving you tools to spark more creative, innovative outcomes. Think of this module as upgrading from “default group settings” to a more intentional, high-performance way of working together.

What's included

11 videos1 reading2 assignments

Conflict is often seen as a problem, but in Module 3 you’ll discover it’s actually one of your group’s most powerful resources—if you know how to handle it. You’ll practice strategies for turning disagreement into productive dialogue, and explore how difference and diversity make groups smarter and stronger. With a close look at identity and gender, this module helps you shift from avoiding or “managing” difference to leveraging it as a core advantage. It’s like unlocking the advanced features of your communication operating system—the ones that help you work better across differences and build more inclusive teams.

What's included

12 videos1 assignment

Technology isn’t just a tool—it’s now the environment where most group work happens. In Module 4, you’ll learn how to navigate this digital landscape with confidence. From Zoom calls and hybrid meetings to AI tools and collaboration platforms, we’ll look at both the opportunities and the complications technology brings. You’ll also explore cutting-edge frameworks, like sociomateriality, to rethink how the social and material are entangled in modern teamwork. Think of this as upgrading to the pro version of your communication system—where you can handle complex, tech-mediated collaboration without losing the human connection that makes groups work.

What's included

9 videos1 reading2 assignments

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Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (1,181 ratings)
Matthew Koschmann
University of Colorado Boulder
3 Courses252,609 learners

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4.7

3,626 reviews

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Frequently asked questions

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