I believe people - especially in today's society - are naturally social creatures who thrive on interaction. Imagine a couple of people sitting around drinking coffee. One of them says, "You know, this cream and sugar is pretty good. I wonder what would happen if I added a touch of vanilla?" A discussion ensues, possibilities mentioned, and finally they decide, "Why not?" and give it a try. Then chocolate, hazelnut, pecan, caramel, and so on. Flavored coffee beans...then flavored creamer...and now the cup of coffee on my desk with "Almond Joy" flavored creamer I enjoy. Did it happen that way? I truly do not know, but I imagine that the idea of flavored coffee creamer, like many great ideas, happened in just that way. People sitting together, talking things out, trying different things, and then realizing what a great idea they have.
In the following video by Eggers (2008), his very successful tutoring program began in that way. A group of friends were discussing education, and his teacher friends' frustration and lack of help led to an amazing system of tutoring centers all across the country.
Time and again people have shown their amazing capacity to create when they work together. Technology provides many opportunities to enable people to create more than they ever have before.
Matthew, Felvegi, and Callaway (2009) conducted research in the form of a case study in an effort to see how the collaboration through a wiki could enhance the learning experience. What they found lends support to the claim that collaboration adds depth and understanding to the concepts being taught. When a learner is solitary, it was found that the assignments and readings were meaningless to most. However, when the students became engaged in sharing and discussing ideas on the wiki, their understanding deepened, their curiousity and desire to find new information grew, and learning was enhanced.
Being able to bounce ideas off others is a key factor in learning.When my students are in the classroom, I make sure they have the opportunity to discuss what they are learning. Invariably, they will discover a different viewpoint, or more knowledge of the topic. Now, however, I also have them collaborating in wikis, sharing files and links on Edmodo. Their learning is enriched through the interaction with their peers and with me. The social setting of Edmodo ("Mrs. Moore, this is better than Facebook!") encourages them to interact more, and gives me new insight to their lives. The wiki allows them to create using their favorite thing: technology. Not only are they learning to navigate through the internet and various computer programs, but they are learning to navigate through the world of people and how to communicate effectively.
References
Eggers, D. (2008, February). Dave Eggers' wish: Once upon a school [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/dave_eggers_makes_his_ted_prize_wish_once_upon_a_school.html
Matthew, K., Felvegi, E., & Callaway, R. (2009). Wiki as a collaborative learning tool in a language arts methods class. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(1), 51-72. Retrieved from ProQuest Central. (Document ID: 1980440621)
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
Matthew, K., Felvegi, E., & Callaway, R. (2009). Wiki as a collaborative learning tool in a language arts methods class. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(1), 51-72. Retrieved from ProQuest Central. (Document ID: 1980440621)
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
Response to Moore:
ReplyDeleteChristine,
Our society would not exist without collaboration. Think of humankind and collaboration is everywhere. Think of the Salks,Pasteurs, NASA,etc. Everywhere we look the greatest human achievments have been collaborative. Education need to be more collaborative as well.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteI love the way you are integrating different ideas into your blog post -- always find food for thought here!
It's interesting that the study you reviewed found deeper learning for students who were collaborating I think that we generally know this from classrooms. Students learn more in a social, collective environment.
I also agree with Bradley's response above. Great things in societies have happened because of collaboration. It seems then, the social change piece is to make sure we give/foster/support the places and times were collaboration can occur and flourish.
Thanks,
Erica
Christine,
ReplyDeleteBeing able to bounce ideas is the best way of learning. It is the most natural way, and it is the most enjoyable way. Notwithstanding the times we are placed in a face-to-face collaborative after school meeting, but more like the collaborative group we are in now. We respect others' ideas, have an environment safe for making mistakes, and enjoy the time we work together. Using Skype to work with each other while typing on my Iphone4 in a small town in Louisiana, shows how technology has enhanced the art of collaboration. Yes, it is natural; yes, it is fun; and yes, the instinct to work and bounce ideas off of each other enhances knowledge.
~Wanda Ardoin-Bailey
Collaboration exist around us. We use it all the time. Collaboration allows us to teach and learn with others who have the same interest or who are interested in my interest. People use collaboration in their workplace and in their classroom. Collaboration allows people to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post this week! It seems like we share very similar views on collaboration! I agree with Dr. Rheingold when he stated the mentality in collaborating with technology is now, instead of, "neither of us can trust each other so we have to make suboptimal moves," it's, "you prove to me that you are trustworthy, and I will cooperate” (Rheingold, 2008). I see this a lot in teaching. In my opinion, teachers are becoming less and less trustworthy and therefore are collaborating less together. We also are being permitted less time to collaborate, therefore, when there is time, we have a million other things that must be done!
How does collaboration work with your co-workers?
My students have begun just recently collaborating with students in Michigan, and they are learning so much from the experience! I can't wait to do it for the entire year with my older 4th graders next year!
Thanks for your post!
Lauren Dart
Reference:
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html