Educators teaching exclusively online courses are especially looking for ways to foster collaboration and communication among their students. A main complaint of distance education courses, web-based ones in particular, is that students feel isolated. Groups can be assembled for assignments, projects, tests, discussions, etc.
Smaller groups seem to be more effective and frequent communication is key.
Assigning a variety of tasks is also important. Examples of this include writing, drawing, designing, researching, and presenting. This is especially important when incorporating different learning and work styles. To help group work be a success, require frequent check points and meet individually with groups to monitor progress. Also, a ttaching a grade to group performance is always a good idea.