BaseCamp

Review by Gia Carroll and Yolanda Brock-Wisniewski, 2016   Basic information: What does the method or tool "do"  in other words, what skills, practices, and/or means of collaboration are supported by this method or tool?   BaseCamp is a simple, flexible, and graphic tool used to manage projects and organize tasks related to any project. BaseCamp  supports planning of group projects, and allows users to create notes, boards, polls, Campfire (chats), schedules and so much more.  Communication and collaboration are one of BaseCamp’s strengths. It allows members to communicate and comment in real time. BaseCamp allows users to set reminders for due dates, create checklist, and upload, share files, easily navigate and find specific information.     Usage: How is the method or tool being (or might it be) used in your current project management and design, your teaching, and/or your graduate coursework?     Although BaseCamp is a leading business tool, it could also be used by teachers and for graduate coursework. BaseCamp can be use to start a discussion board, share media content, plan of class projects, real-time collaboration, assign tasks, and integrate with hundreds of other apps. BaseCamp can be used also for mind mapping before starting a writing assignment.   What type of example activity might be developed for utilization by someone unfamiliar with the tool? Some example activities that could be developed for utilization by someone unfamiliar with BaseCamp are to practice making boards, scheduling task, chatting on campfire, and sharing documents. The more the user practices with the tool the more familiar they will become with the features. The user unfamiliar with BaseCamp may benefit from creating a mock project before collaborating.   Design: What are the affordances and constraints of this particular method or tool in relation to current/future collaboration, team or group work, and project management?   The advantages of BaseCamp include the mobile apps available for Android and IOS. The mobile app allows users to collaborate on the go. Another advantage of BaseCamp is that it allows instant notifications so users can know immediately when changes have been made. The constraints of BaseCamp in relation to current collaboration tools, is live chat features are add-ons. If user has limited space for downloading apps and add-ons, the chat feature may not be available. Another constraint of BaseCamp is that the tool does not offer video or audio conferencing.   Relation: How is this method or tool similar/dissimilar to other methods or tools you have previously used? How is it similar/dissimilar to those methods or tools your peers in this course have already reviewed?   BaseCamp is similar to the other tools previously such as Trello because both have a mobile app, free trial, and  is available in multiple languages. BaseCamp is different from other tools I have previously used because it allows user track time spent working on projects and it allows users to create reports that are easy to share. BaseCamp allows users to manage a complete project including deadlines, budgets, team member’s task unlike other tools that only allow user to manage single task.   BaseCamp’s pricing depends on the number of projects and the file sizes while Trello has a set price per user. BaseCamp currently costs $29/mo or $79/mo for 100 GB of file storage, despite the number of users. BaseCamp is similar to tools used by peers such as Wiggio because both allow for multiple users, discussion forums, and document sharing. Wiggio and Basecamp both offer online chat feature. BaseCamp is different from tools used by peers such as Wiggio because BaseCamp has a mobile app and Wiggio does not. Base camp also offer cost and time tracking where Wiggio does not.   Media: Incorporate multiple forms of digital media to illustrate the functionality/purpose of this method or tool.   https://youtu.be/jsxt4so1Rz4   http://blog.softwareadvice.com/articles/project-management/manage-your-basecamp-like-37signals-0913/   Reflection: How does this method or tool relate to course themes and/or professional practices?   BaseCamp relates to the course theme because one of the course’s objectives is to review collaboration tools and methods applicable to project management, technology design, and professional development. BaseCamp is a valuable tool that can be used for  project management, technology design, and professional development. BaseCamp can help students to develop collaboration skills. The calendar in BaseCamp can be used to keep track of schedule and manage task for the course.