FilePhile

FilePhile is a free file transfer app that lets you transfer files of any size between two computers.
It looks pretty simple to setup and use.

free chat application

Chat rooms can be pretty handy when your doing group work as they allow you to discuss ideas online as you work.
stinto is a free web-based web application that allows you to create your own disposable chat rooms. You can set up and control a number of different parameters to do with your chat rooms.

Sharing audio files across different DAW's

Electronic Musician has an article describing how to ensure that you can confidently share audio files on different DAW systems when working on a project collaboratively.
The article focuses on using Digital Performer to import the files, but the principles are the same for any DAW - you just need to find the correct menu/commands.

Basically, you have 2 main options.
1. you can create files which all start at 00:00:00 even if there's no audio all the way through using some form of "merge" command (DP parlance).
2. you can record your files using a format like Broadcast Wave which automatically timestamps your files with their start and end points. when these are imported into your DAW you can then simply instruct the software to align the files with their correct start times.

Team Working

There's an article on gamastura discussing how to build a functioning and effective team.
Whilst the article is aimed primarily at games companies, it does have some useful tips for groups working in any field.

"A team is made up of individuals who perform unique tasks, and when combined, produce a finished product that is greater than the sum of its parts. You want team members to do their best and be ready to help others, so you need to promote a sense of cohesion; the team will only succeed if everyone works together. Your team should be able to generate their own tasks, tackle problems, agree on solutions and implement their decisions with confidence."

Some of the key points are:
- Set appropriate goals: These will need to be monitored and adjusted if necessary.
- Identify appropriate measurements: This should be done both individuallu and as a team. Team members should document their progress through these measurements.
- Conduct regular team reviews: Both as a whole team and with sub-groups/individual members. Check performance against objectives. All team members should be aware of their responsibilities.

A couple of quotes:

"Milestones are vital to the team's process (and to getting paid!) They ensure that a product is delivered to specification (and customer satisfaction), that team members adhere to schedules and budgets, and quality standards are met. They also tend to be the basis for individual and team rewards over and above normal compensation."

"Set realistic deadlines (remember to multiply all estimates by 1.5 to allow for unforeseen obstacles and a tendency on anyone's part, including yours, to think you can get the work done faster.) Don't promise the sky unless the team (a) agrees and (b) can reasonably deliver on the promise."

Soshiku

Soshiku is a free (but requires you to register) little app that you can use to keep your coursework organised.
It will keep track of your assignments and the progress of your work, you can keep track of your average mark by entering your grades. It also supports file sharing for when you're working in groups.

GBridge - File sharing app

gbridge is a free windows app that allows you to remotely share files between computers as well as providing back-up facilities.
All you need is a google account to get it working.

Could be very useful for sharing files between group members when working on projects.

Wiggio - Collaborative Tool

Wiggio is a free online app that aims to help you work collaboratively.

It has a pretty simple interface with 6 main tools:
1. Calendar — A fairly simple shared calendar that allows you to manage group events. There’s no easy way to add this calendar to whatever time management system you use, but you can set up an automatic email whenever a change is made to the calendar (or any other part of your group). Gmail seems to be able translate those emails into Google Calendar events without an issue.
2. Folder — You can upload most file types to your Wiggio groups. Wiggio can even handle version-tracking automatically. A group member can download the file, change it and re-upload it. He doesn’t need to change the file name or anything for Wiggio to recognize it as a new version. Old versions are still available.
3. Meeting — Wiggio offers two types of meetings for users: a chatroom and a conference call. For conference calls, Wiggio uses Rondee, a free conference call service. Wiggio will also host chats for your group.
4. Poll — Not all collaboration applications offer any tools to help with decision making, but with Wiggio’s Poll system, you can matters to a vote in your group. You don’t even need to track responses to get an answer.
5. Messages — Through Wiggio, you can send messages to group members in three different ways: text message, email and voice note. You can also post notes on your group’s home page, but no guarantee that group members will log in and see them. I was a little concerned at first that the text message and voice mail options meant that the entire group would have access to my phone number, but all of that is handled internally.
6. Links — The link tool is simply a place to paste in links so that your group has a shared set of bookmarks.

"There is definintely an assumption for Wiggio that group members aren’t going to be sitting at their desks all day, every day. If you’ve had problems keeping touch with those members of your group that seem to prioritize their social lives over group meetings, being able to send them text message reminders may prove invaluable."

I think this tool could prove very useful - especially as it allows you to file share and send text reminders to group members mobiles - no excuses now!!

via lifehack

Tips on Critiquing

lifehack have put together a nice little piece with tips on how to better constructive feedback/criticism.
This would a useful thing to read if you have to take part in any critique of another person's work - as either part of group work or as part of an in-class discussion.

The main points are:
1. Comment on what's right
2. Ask why they've done something
3. Focus on the general
4. Brainstorm fixes
5. Offer an honest opinion
6. Leave it to their judgement

"Critiquing is a skill, just as much as any other aspect of communication. Considering how often we’re asked for our opinions on something, it seems worthwhile to develop the skill to give an opinion without getting everyone in an uproar. While I’d love it if some people would just identify a little less with their work, the truth is that many people take critiques very personally and it takes a deft touch to help them improve a project without everything ending in tears. Whether you’re participating in critique sessions for your company’s next big marketing campaign or you’re headed off to the local writers group, think about how you can give a great critique. How can you really help the person asking for your feedback improve their project?"