Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?
I do believe that we as humans have the basic instinct to work together as a group. This instinct is embedded in us just like it is embedded in animals which work in groups. Dolphins swim in a circle around a school of fish trapping them while they take turns entering the circle for a meal. Besides instinct, the basic idea of “two head are better than one” is instilled in us from a young age. Collaborating and sharing of ideas is a positive exercise in which members of the group can learn from each other.
How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
Technologies such as wikis, blogs, Skype, Google Documents, and course discussion boards are great ways to establish collaboration based on constructivist principles. Through the use of all these technologies peers can collaborate with one another on a course assignment and share ideas. Every learner has had their own learning and life experiences which they can bring to the table for everyone else to learn from.
Find a current research study that has been conducted in the last 5 years that supports collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.
Using Online Tools for Communication and Collaboration: Understanding Educators' Experiences in an Online Course
I found this article on ERIC through the Walden Library. It explores the learning experiences educators have through collaboration on online courses. This article made me think of what we are all experiencing at this time.
Responded to Temeka Shingles and Martha Bless for module 3.
Belinda,
ReplyDeleteI like your statement that "every learner has had their own learning and life experiences which they can bring to the table for everyone else to learn from." This is what makes collaboration such an important part of the leanring process. Individuals are exposed to a variety of experiences, learning styles, and learning techniques. The traditional method of looking, listening, and thus learning has been pushed out of the door. Do you think that true learning is best obtained through exposure or thorugh experience? Does each of these elements weigh equally in the learning process?
I really do think that learning is best obtained through experience? I believe that my students are going to remember something they do rather that me telling them how a fossil is made. If we make one out of a shell and Playdough they will retain it. -BV
DeleteHi Belinda,
ReplyDeleteTo what extent have you delved into using collaborative tools on the web with your students? I have used wikispaces (http://www.wikispaces.com/) for a collaborative writing project with high school students. The thing that makes these forms of communication important for educators is that they give students the kind of authentic audience that has been missing. With an authentic audience, student are more invested in their writing. They write more and are more careful about editing for clarity.
I encourage all the teachers I work with to get their feet wet and try web-based collaborative tools. Some love the idea; some step back in horror. I think that's a typical response to any new technology--some will embrace it and others will deem it the end of the world as we know it. Check out Nicholas Carr's (2010) wonderful book about the benefits and risks of our changing technological world. It's a great discussion of what we gain and what we give up when a new technology is widely adopted.
Reference
Carr, N. (2010). The shallows: What the internet is doing to our brains. New York: Norton.
Martha,
DeleteI work with third graders. Therefore, I am a bit more limited to what we can do on the web. Well not more limited but I have to be more present than you are with your high school students. I have had email pen pals but I would like to do much more. -BV
Hi Belinda:
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to be the minority when it comes to the statement, "People have an instinct to work in groups." I have many students who prefer to work alone, unless they are paired with their friend. When people do not know one another, they do not know what to expect from one another. They may have a fear of letting someone down, or someone letting them down. Vygotsky's theory of Social Development claims that social interaction precedes development; consciousness and cognition are the end results of socialization and social behavior (LTK, 2012). When a person develops independently (e.g. only child, only female among brothers) they learn a survival technique of independence. This tendency does not necessarily change due to the fact they are placed among peers to collaborate.
Great post!
Cheryl
Reference
Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2012, January). Social Development Theory (Vygotsky) at Learning-Theories.com. Retrieved January 15th, 2012 from http://www.learning-theories.com/vygotskys-social-learning-theory.html
Belinda,
ReplyDeleteEveryone has something to offer in the learning environment. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one that has heard "two heads are better than one" early on in life. You mentioned several great collaboration tools. Which would you recommend for primary age students?