Collaborative interaction use to consist of one classroom writing pen pal letter to another classroom in a different country. I remember doing this in middle school. I kept my Japanese pen pal for probably the next 5-6 years after middle school ended. We shared our letter with our class. But, that may not really be considered collaboration, in the true sense. Today, we use email, blogs, wikis, nings, instant messaging via carriers like Skype, AIM or MSN Web Messenger. Teacher can collect assignments using email or postings. Open Source Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle allow teachers and students from around the globe to collaborate. “For example, there are tools like Skype and Instant Messager which allows students to talk online synchronously, and allows for more interaction. In addition, there are wikis, blogs, email, and discussion boards to further communicate amongst peers and collaborate on assignments” (Tustin).
“Half of the class wrote a comprehensive unit summary in a traditional format which was turned in directly to the teacher. The other half of the class composed a summary in an online forum for a much wider audience”…via a ning network (Nash). Here is one online tool that is available today to facilitate collaboration not only among learners, but between learners and educators or the world. The ning I found this blog on is The Global Education collaborative: Helping teachers and students reach the world. There are many pieces of information on collaborative interaction on this site.
References
Nash, S. (n.d). Online writing: What really changes? Retrieved December 24, 2008, from The global education collaborative: Helping teachers and students reach the world:
http://globaleducation.ning.com/profiles/blogs/online-writing-what-really
The global classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved December 24, 2008, from the global classroom: teaching and learning online: http://beta.globalclassroom.us /
Tustin, R. (n.d.). 8842. Retrieved December 24, 2008, from Module 2:
http://tustin8842.blogspot.com/2008/12/module-2.html
Do you think there are any downsides to online collaboration? Or parameters needed? Or is it all good?
ReplyDeleteKoh
Koh-
ReplyDeleteYes, you can miss the face-to-face contact with instructors and other classmates. Fortunately, Walden does offer residencies that supply some of the face-to-face time. Everyone that I have spoken to thinks that residencies are totally worthwhile opportunity. Many connections and friendships can be cultivated in a virtual environment, but face-to-face contact does add another dimension. Maybe video calls would help. I'm not sure. I have not taken part in one yet.
The possibilities afforded through online collaboration seem to be wide open. People are pushing the envelope as limitations are easily worked around and solutions to problems no longer take years to uncover. Soon, we may see courses being conducted in a visual-virtual environment where we can 'see' the instructor and our classmates. Video calls and conferencing are just the beginning of this. Would you agree?
ReplyDeletePamela, Having read your post to Koh regarding communication; I noted it was nicely optimistic. Though not a comment on your post particularly, but more a comment in general, I find much of what is addressed regarding distance education as far too optimistic, with little discussion as to any drawbacks. What are your thoughts on this?
ReplyDeleteJMH -
ReplyDeleteHurray on your comment. I am very pro-technology but I am definitely not the captain of cheerleaders (as a Walden professor recently so eloquently put it). My focus on ed tech are the possible "downsides," specifically ethics and safety. About 10 years ago I did some studying on Dr. Neil Postman, who, as I put it, was like the Simon of American Idol. Dr. Postman appreciated good technology when used well but was not shy about criticizing the use of technology in certain arenas. I admittedly have not checked him out recently, but I think you just prompted me to do so.
Koh
Ms. Eder
ReplyDeleteAs we speak, I am at a residency, and indeed the face-to-face aspect has added a tremondous value to the entire experience.
Koh
JMH-
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love online learning. I will never talk another class in a brick-and-mortar school. I said to my mom, just the other day, that I feel that I have learned more in the Ph.D. program here at Walden, that I learned in my other three degrees put together. I attribute that to the online communication we have. At brick-and-mortar schools, when class was over, it was over... Here, because we can login and post anytime an idea or thought hits us, we communication more than a usual class. It actually keeps me thinking, even when I'm not trying to think about it. Like Dr. Moeller said in his post in clsss, there have been thought that have kept me up thinking all night about them. This never occurred before. Even in grad school, I couldn't wait to get out of the classes. Here, I find that I don't want them to end. Hmmm.... I wonder why?
Koh-
ReplyDeleteThe face-to-face is invaluable. It's so nice to meet people that you talk to online in class, including the instructors. I've finished my residency requirements, but will once again attend the residency at NECC in June. The forward technology and conversations there are beyond belief.