One of the elements relevant to common ground was the manner in which students were able to interact when outside of the classroom environment. In order to enhance the recognition of common ground as a pivotal element in its contribution to group development, group meetings were positively encouraged to enable co-presence. It was however identified that personal commitment and other circumstances might limit
these opportunities. In this respect the facility for access to resources as well, as to individual group discussion forums had been identified. The University’s VLE “Moodle” was employed for Discussion Forums [18]. In respect of the discussion groups, it was useful for us to monitor the level of interaction within groups as well as to assess the depth and intensity of debate generated. Case study 5 required students to utilise an online discussion forum to address specific questions that the group was required to debate and the results of the debate would be collated together as a group solution.