Collaboration and the 21st Century Learner
Collaboration is a theme that is threaded throughout this portfolio. There are many different aspects to the term collaboration. The dictionary defines Collaboration as "to
work with another person or group in order to achieve or do something; to work jointly with others or together especially in an
intellectual endeavor” (Collaborate, 2013) Collaboration is a purposeful endeavor that begins with interaction and social connections. These connections help to enrich group cohesion (Murphy, 2004). " When a sense of community is formed through communication on a social rather than just an informational level, interaction can move to a higher level and become Collaborative" (Murphy, 2004, p. 422). According to Killion (2013) there are 5 purposes for collaboration among learners, they are: "co-constructing knowledge, sharing experiences, reflect on practice, seek feedback and contribute to the learning of others" (Armstrong,2013, p.26) .
Murphy (2004), asserts that in order for collaboration to be effective there must be a product. It is not enough to have a common goal there has to be a result of that goal. However, it is important to distinguish between tangible and abstract products of collaboration. Clearly, collaborative results that are tangible are physical products that result from these interactions. However, abstract results of these collaborations can include how interactions with others can create connections which can result in networking experiences. Positive group interactions can make for a better work experience in both educational and professional environment. As well, these positive interactions can help to create situations in which individuals can begin to understand the strength of others and draw on those when necessary.
The following diagrams further define Collaboration in two different ways. ( Diagrams created by Jennifer Levine)
Murphy (2004), asserts that in order for collaboration to be effective there must be a product. It is not enough to have a common goal there has to be a result of that goal. However, it is important to distinguish between tangible and abstract products of collaboration. Clearly, collaborative results that are tangible are physical products that result from these interactions. However, abstract results of these collaborations can include how interactions with others can create connections which can result in networking experiences. Positive group interactions can make for a better work experience in both educational and professional environment. As well, these positive interactions can help to create situations in which individuals can begin to understand the strength of others and draw on those when necessary.
The following diagrams further define Collaboration in two different ways. ( Diagrams created by Jennifer Levine)
Fig. 1:
This diagram shows how individuals can work together
to help the other create their own project. Each person can
discuss and comment on each others ideas, but still produce
their own projects. Blogging is a perfect example of this idea.
Each individual creates their own blog and comments on the
others ideas helping them to construct knowledge. The final product
is produced by the individual not the group.
This diagram shows how individuals can work together
to help the other create their own project. Each person can
discuss and comment on each others ideas, but still produce
their own projects. Blogging is a perfect example of this idea.
Each individual creates their own blog and comments on the
others ideas helping them to construct knowledge. The final product
is produced by the individual not the group.
Fig.2.
In this case a group of individuals are working together to create a common project. This type of collaboration can be seen in the educational and professional fields.
Collaboration is a fundamental to the 21st Century learner and technology plays a role in that connection. Online sites such as blogging, Twitter, Facebook etc. are just a few of the many sites that support collaboration. This section will show how collaboration has impacted my experiences in the M.Ed. program.
Please continue to the next page to explore Collaboration and Online Tools.
Please continue to the next page to explore Collaboration and Online Tools.