Go to Post Lose a year of bumper making and everyone's a rookie again. - mrnoble [more]
Home
Go Back   Chief Delphi > FIRST > General Forum
CD-Media   CD-Spy  
portal register members calendar search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read FAQ rules

 
Reply
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 20:18
MailmanDelivers MailmanDelivers is offline
Registered User
FRC #2877 (Ligerbots)
Team Role: CAD
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Rookie Year: 2014
Location: MA
Posts: 54
MailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of light
Teams Using Slack

Hello! My team has been looking into slack as a way to do team communication. I have a few questions:

1. How did you have your slack channel set up? (i.e subgroups, build groups, etc)

2. Does your team have any guidelines to follow, such as rules that people have to follow?

3. How big is your team?

4. How has it worked out so far?

5. Anything we should know about Slack before we use it?
Reply With Quote
  #2   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 20:23
ollien ollien is offline
Registered User
FRC #5202
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: United States
Posts: 292
ollien has a spectacular aura aboutollien has a spectacular aura aboutollien has a spectacular aura about
Re: Teams Using Slack

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
Hello! My team has been looking into slack as a way to do team communication. I have a few questions:

1. How did you have your slack channel set up? (i.e subgroups, build groups, etc)

2. Does your team have any guidelines to follow, such as rules that people have to follow?

3. How big is your team?

4. How has it worked out so far?

5. Anything we should know about Slack before we use it?
We haven't used it formally during build season yet, but for the summer it's worked great.

1. General is used for most things, but I have created channels for other subteams. Other than general, only #offtopic and #marketing get used often, but I would guess that's because of our small size and that we aren't physically meeting right now.

2. No, but I would probably kick them out of the slack if they were being disruptive.

3. About 14 members.

4. Pretty well compared to our previous uses of Facebook and Google Classroom

5. It's really nice for planning things instead of having to contact each thing individually. The only problem is getting people to sign up for it.
Reply With Quote
  #3   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 20:27
Brian Maher's Avatar
Brian Maher Brian Maher is offline
Questionable Decisionmakers
FRC #2791 (Shaker Robotics), FRC #1257 (Parallel Universe)
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Rookie Year: 2012
Location: Troy, NY; NJ
Posts: 465
Brian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond reputeBrian Maher has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Teams Using Slack

Here's how we use Slack on 1257:

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
1. How did you have your slack channel set up? (i.e subgroups, build groups, etc)
We have public channels for each of our subteams, other projects, and miscellaneous other topics that need a place to be talked about (for example, we used Slack channels to coordinate our trips to Champs and IRI this year).

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
2. Does your team have any guidelines to follow, such as rules that people have to follow?
We warn students that is a place that must be kept school-appropriate and that all robotics-unrelated discussion must be limited to the Random channel. We haven't had very many issues with this one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
3. How big is your team?
Our team has around 40 members.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
4. How has it worked out so far?
4. Slack has worked incredibly well for us to keep all team discussions in one place and expand team-wide discussion beyond in-person meetings. This is immensely helpful during the heat of build or competitions season, when everyone's constantly thinking of ideas for the robot or team, even outside of meetings. It has the advantage of not being social media such as Facebook, which some students are not on, and where student-teacher interactions may be frowned upon

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
5. Anything we should know about Slack before we use it?
Slack has fantastic mobile apps so students can get push notifications and send messages from their phones.
__________________
2016-present, Mentor, FRC 2791 - Shaker Robotics
2016: Tech Valley SF (5236, 2791, 3624) and Quality Award, Finger Lakes SF (5254, 2791, 2383), Battlecry@WPI Winner (195, 2791, 501), Robot Rumble Winner (2791, 195, 6463)

2016-present, Mentor, FRC 1257 - Parallel Universe
2016: Mount Olive Winner (1257, 5624, 1676), Bridgewater-Raritan Finalist (1257, 25, 3340, 555) and Gracious Professionalism Award, MAR CMP Winner (225, 341, 1257), Archimedes SF (4003, 4564, 5842, 1257), IRI Invite

2012-2015, Student, FRC 1257 - Parallel Universe
2015: Mount Olive QF (1257, 1811, 1923) and Industrial Safety Award, North Brunswick Finalist (11, 193, 1257) and Team Spirit and Industrial Safety Awards
2014: Clifton Winner (1626, 869, 1257), MAR CMP QF (1257, 293, 303)
2013: TCNJ Industrial Safety Award
2012: Mount Olive QF (204, 303, 1257)

Last edited by Brian Maher : 24-08-2016 at 20:31.
Reply With Quote
  #4   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 20:28
frcguy's Avatar
frcguy frcguy is offline
Unregistered Unuser
AKA: Nicholas Dal Porto
FRC #5940 (B.R.E.A.D.)
Team Role: Tactician
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Rookie Year: 2012
Location: Burlingame, California
Posts: 858
frcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond reputefrcguy has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Teams Using Slack

Quote:
Originally Posted by ollien View Post
4. Pretty well compared to our previous uses of Facebook and Google Classroom
Could you elaborate on your experience with Google Classroom? Our new lead mentor and our student leadership are currently deciding between that and Slack.
__________________


2016: Team 5940 (Silicon Valley Regional Rookie All-Star and Quarterfinalist, Curie Quarterfinalist)

Volunteer: 2016 (Chezy Champs Field Reset, Capital City Classic FTA, MadTown ThrowDown FTA)
Reply With Quote
  #5   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 20:43
ollien ollien is offline
Registered User
FRC #5202
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: United States
Posts: 292
ollien has a spectacular aura aboutollien has a spectacular aura aboutollien has a spectacular aura about
Re: Teams Using Slack

Quote:
Originally Posted by frcguy View Post
Could you elaborate on your experience with Google Classroom? Our new lead mentor and our student leadership are currently deciding between that and Slack.
While it can work, it results in so many "I didn't see it"s and you can't interact with people very personally.

It's basically just a stream of announcements. I think combining Slack and Classroom can work well, but not just Classroom. It's basically just a Facebook Group. It would work if people actually read their feeds.
Reply With Quote
  #6   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 21:29
KohKohPuffs KohKohPuffs is offline
Registered User
AKA: Daniel Koh
FRC #0299 (Valkyrie Robotics)
Team Role: CAD
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Rookie Year: 2013
Location: Saratoga, CA
Posts: 119
KohKohPuffs has a spectacular aura aboutKohKohPuffs has a spectacular aura aboutKohKohPuffs has a spectacular aura about
Re: Teams Using Slack

1. Each channel is a department, so you have one channel for CAD, another channel for programming, etc. For more general discussions, we have channels for those as well.

2. Rules? Ha! ... On a serious note, it's given that you use common sense. Spamming/talking out of context/interrupting the current discussion is frowned upon, although we have a #random channel for things like that.

3. 30+, according to Slack (we're a relatively new team)

4. Can't speak for my teammates, but it's been great for me. All discussion is organized by the way we formatted our channels, so you don't have confusion. And for me personally, this has been working out perfectly since I live away from my teammates and therefore cannot meet in-person frequently.

5. Can't really think of anything.
__________________
-KohKoh

115 MVRT, Driver (2013-2015)
649 M-SET, CAD (2015-2016)
299 Valkyrie Robotics, Mechanical Director (2016 - present)
Reply With Quote
  #7   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 22:32
tjf's Avatar
tjf tjf is offline
FIRST Year, Best Year
AKA: Tim Flynn
FRC #1257 (Parallel Universe)
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Rookie Year: 2016
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 123
tjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to behold
Re: Teams Using Slack

In addition to what the other have said, I'd highly suggest applying for Slack for Nonprofits if your team has a 501c3 booster club. That way, you can get discounted or free Slack premium for your team.

The important distinction is whether the nonprofit is attached to a school or not. If so, it's Slack for Educational pricing.

(From my own experiences with 1257.)

EDIT: Slack is 85% off for education. See my next comment in this thread.
__________________

1257 (2016) - Student
1257 (2017) - Business Mentor (up in your business!)
KD2KRT

Last edited by tjf : 24-08-2016 at 23:06.
Reply With Quote
  #8   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 22:52
MailmanDelivers MailmanDelivers is offline
Registered User
FRC #2877 (Ligerbots)
Team Role: CAD
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Rookie Year: 2014
Location: MA
Posts: 54
MailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of light
Re: Teams Using Slack

Quote:
Originally Posted by tjf View Post
In addition to what the other have said, I'd highly suggest applying for Slack for Nonprofits if your team has a 501c3 booster club. That way, you can get discounted or free Slack premium for your team.

The important distinction is whether the nonprofit is attached to a school or not. If so, it's Slack for Educational pricing.

(From my own experiences with 1257.)
Oh, we are related to our school. I guess that's why I missed that. Guessing they won't discount it further?

Last edited by MailmanDelivers : 24-08-2016 at 22:57.
Reply With Quote
  #9   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 23:04
tjf's Avatar
tjf tjf is offline
FIRST Year, Best Year
AKA: Tim Flynn
FRC #1257 (Parallel Universe)
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Rookie Year: 2016
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 123
tjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to beholdtjf is a splendid one to behold
Re: Teams Using Slack

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
Oh, we are related to our school. I guess that's why I missed that. Guessing they won't discount it further?
From what I can tell, most schools are governmental nonprofits, something *very* different. However, at a 85% discount for Education, it's still more feasible than paying full price.

Slack "Trial" (Trial as in WinRAR): Free* (only allowed 10k messages a month.)
Annually for Slack Standard per person: $80.04 USD
Annually for Slack Plus per person: $150.00 USD

https://www.slack.com/pricing

Annually for Slack Standard on Education per person: $12.00 USD
Annually for Slack Plus on Education per person: $22.50

https://get.slack.help/hc/en-us/arti...-for-Education

Slack for Nonprofits: Free (up to 250 people)

https://get.slack.help/hc/en-us/arti...for-Nonprofits


Most teams would, unfortunately, fall under the Slack for Education category (as long as they're associated with a school.)
__________________

1257 (2016) - Student
1257 (2017) - Business Mentor (up in your business!)
KD2KRT

Last edited by tjf : 24-08-2016 at 23:07.
Reply With Quote
  #10   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 24-08-2016, 23:07
Ali Ahmed's Avatar
Ali Ahmed Ali Ahmed is online now
Registered User
FRC #0004 (Team 4 ELEMENT)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 371
Ali Ahmed is a splendid one to beholdAli Ahmed is a splendid one to beholdAli Ahmed is a splendid one to beholdAli Ahmed is a splendid one to beholdAli Ahmed is a splendid one to beholdAli Ahmed is a splendid one to beholdAli Ahmed is a splendid one to behold
Re: Teams Using Slack

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
Hello! My team has been looking into slack as a way to do team communication. I have a few questions:

1. How did you have your slack channel set up? (i.e subgroups, build groups, etc)

2. Does your team have any guidelines to follow, such as rules that people have to follow?

3. How big is your team?

4. How has it worked out so far?

5. Anything we should know about Slack before we use it?
1. We have a General channel (of course) plus channels for programming, manufacturing, design, public relations, electronics, announcements, and a social channel for chit-chat. We also have a private mentor channel and team lead channel. We also create temporary channels for build season and each competition.

2. No Slack during school hours. At all. Also, usernames must be firstname.lastname

3. We have a big team. 50+

4. It's worked out really great. We've been using it for about a year and I love it. We used to use a combination of Google Hangouts/texts/emails. Slack has been great for keeping all information in one place, but still organized. Information can be disseminated in the appropriate channel so there's less confusion. For example, a designer can ask for help with a certain problem with Solidworks without disturbing PR, who may be talking about new sponsor acquisition. The only issue we really have is making sure everybody checks it regularly.

5. Use the integrations. We have ours integrated with Google Drive, Github, GrabCAD, and a few others. It's a lifesaver for file sharing.
__________________

Student: Team 22
Mentor: Team 4


Reply With Quote
  #11   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 25-08-2016, 00:05
smitikshah's Avatar
smitikshah smitikshah is offline
Drive Coach
AKA: Smiti
FRC #2869 (Regal Eagles)
Team Role: Coach
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Rookie Year: 2015
Location: New York
Posts: 146
smitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond reputesmitikshah has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Teams Using Slack

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
Hello! My team has been looking into slack as a way to do team communication. I have a few questions:

1. How did you have your slack channel set up? (i.e subgroups, build groups, etc)
We have some different channels: CAD, Chit-Chat, General, Leaders, Marketing, Mechanical, Programming, Electrical, and Special Teams.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
2. Does your team have any guidelines to follow, such as rules that people have to follow?
Basically behave yourself how you would in real life in the lab. Don't spam the chat in important channels. You can goof around in designated channels. Don't curse, don't be derrogatory of others, don't be a jerk, (you get the idea.)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
3. How big is your team?
We currently have 27 on our Slack. With seniors graduating and freshmen coming in, I expect about 30 total withing 3 weeks of school starting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
4. How has it worked out so far?
It has been an amazing life-saver. The integrations (Trello, Google Drive, Calendar, Poll Bots, and even messing around with slackbot features) make things so easy, and since we make everyone download the app, it's easy to get notifications and responses. We also use the "pin" feature for things like permission slips and event information. I also like the channel option. As opposed to email in the past, you don't need to deal with the annoying email groups, and students can join and leave channels based on interest. It makes it easier than asking to be removed from an email list, or even added.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MailmanDelivers View Post
5. Anything we should know about Slack before we use it?
If you are a school team, make sure that any adults/mentors have clearance to join from the board. It wasn't an issure for us, but I have a friend whose mentor was unable to join the slack because of districts policies and teacher communication with students via social media outside of school.

Also, urge students to get the app. Makes things easier than desktop.

Integrations are really fun and simple to use. Use them!

Good luck! If you have any questions feel free to ask!
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #12   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 25-08-2016, 07:16
sanddrag sanddrag is offline
On to my 16th year in FRC
FRC #0696 (Circuit Breakers)
Team Role: Teacher
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Glendale, CA
Posts: 8,507
sanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Teams Using Slack

Back when I first heard of Slack, the last thing I needed was one more "thing." I was set with my primary stuff: e-mail (primary), Remind texting, Google Drive, and Trello (on occasion). But I will say, I did not give Slack a serious look, because I had no need to

Currently, we're using Google Classroom under our school district's Google Apps for Education organization and it's working well, but it does have its limitations. However, I will say that it's nice to keep all your stuff within one "ecosystem."

Hearing that there is Google Drive and Trello integration in Slack though, I may need to give it another look.
__________________
Teacher/Engineer/Machinist - Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2011 - Present
Mentor/Engineer/Machinist, Team 968 RAWC, 2007-2010
Technical Mentor, Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2005-2007
Student Mechanical Leader and Driver, Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2002-2004
Reply With Quote
  #13   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 25-08-2016, 11:11
MailmanDelivers MailmanDelivers is offline
Registered User
FRC #2877 (Ligerbots)
Team Role: CAD
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Rookie Year: 2014
Location: MA
Posts: 54
MailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of lightMailmanDelivers is a glorious beacon of light
Re: Teams Using Slack

Quote:
Originally Posted by smitikshah View Post
If you are a school team, make sure that any adults/mentors have clearance to join from the board. It wasn't an issure for us, but I have a friend whose mentor was unable to join the slack because of districts policies and teacher communication with students via social media outside of school.

Also, urge students to get the app. Makes things easier than desktop.

Integrations are really fun and simple to use. Use them!

Good luck! If you have any questions feel free to ask!
Did not think of that, thank you for mentioning it!

Seems like a lot of people like Slack.
Reply With Quote
  #14   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 25-08-2016, 11:22
Alyssa's Avatar
Alyssa Alyssa is offline
Everything in life should be MFD
AKA: Alyssa Vallese
FRC #0125 (NUTRONS)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Rookie Year: 2013
Location: Boston
Posts: 60
Alyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond reputeAlyssa has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Teams Using Slack

My team started using slack this past year, and we couldn't be happier. Including mentors, parents and students, we have over 100 people using and it's amazing. PM me if you have any specific questions!
__________________
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." -Clarke
2012 - 2016; FRC Team 2485 The W.A.R. Lords (We Are Robot)
2016 - Present; FRC Team 125 NUTRONS
Feel free to PM me via Facebook or email!
If you PM me via Chief I probably won't see it for a while...sorry

Reply With Quote
  #15   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 25-08-2016, 13:04
Monochron's Avatar
Monochron Monochron is online now
Engineering Mentor
AKA: Brian O'Sullivan
FRC #4561 (TerrorBytes)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Research Triangle Park, NC
Posts: 890
Monochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond reputeMonochron has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Teams Using Slack

Edit: snip - wrong post
__________________


2016 | Innovation In Controls, Industrial Design, Quality Award, NC District - 4th Seed

Last edited by Monochron : 25-08-2016 at 13:38.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:52.

The Chief Delphi Forums are sponsored by Innovation First International, Inc.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © Chief Delphi