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Activity 6: Collaboration

Case study: 30 mins
Implementing Learning Circle: 5 hrs
Reflection and e-mail: 1 hr

6 hrs 30 mins



 

  • How do I get my learners working with learners in other classes?

  • What are some ways of organising projects in such a way that collaboration with other learners in other classes is promoted?


In Project Based Learning we can define "Collaboration" as meaning work between learners, teachers, and others in the community, so that data, knowledge and ideas are shared between them, and they form a Learning Community working towards a common product.
This is not the only definition of Collaborative learning.  Some Theorists see it in a far more complex way. If you are interested in this topic, go to   this article by Ted Panitz entitled "A Definition of Collaborative vs Cooperative Learning"

Collaborative projects can take place between classes in one school, or between classes in different schools.

The use of technology in collaborative projects has made distant learners and teachers more accessible.  Using communication tools on the Internet allows for quick, and sometimes almost immediate access to other learners, thus saving time and keeping the interest level high. It can also be a powerful motivator, especially for learners who seldom have the opportunity to interact with other learners from other communities, or even countries.   

  • Collaborative Learning allows learners access to other ideas and perspectives.
  • Learners have an opportunity to practise real life data collection, and the broadening of horizons.
  • Teachers have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other teachers, and to develop their community of learners beyond their immediate circle.  For many teachers this is both motivating and encouraging.

Activity

Case Study

  1. Read about some Characteristics of collaborative learning.

  2. Evaluate the "If I Were The President.." case study using this IIWTP Collaboration.


    Implementing a collaborative online project

    "Learning Circles" are a very successful model of Collaboration between classes. If you want to find out more about this, you can connect to the Internet and search the term "learning circle". We are going to follow this learning circle model from this Activity onwards. To keep it simple, we will use a "teacher to teacher" model, meaining that you will write messages on behalf of your class. You will be assigned to a "Learning Circle" group by your tutor.
    You will be starting Phase 2 of the Learning Circle in this, the 5th, week of the module. In Phase 2 you will introduce your class to the Learning Circle.

    To understand the phases of the learning circle read about the phases on the Bridges of Learning website.

  3. Once you have been allocated to a learning circle by your tutor, follow the basic phases of the project with your learning circle partners. Your tutor will announce the start of each new phase.

Further reading:

Collaborative projects do not need to be done using the Internet. Collaboration can take place between two classes who can meet with each other face to face - eg within the same school or community. However, tele-communication adds interest and motivation to collaboration, and has the advantage of adding different people's perspectives to the subject being studied.   

Collaborative online learning can take different forms. Here are some ideas for further collaborative activities.
 


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Once you have completed this activity, click here to move on to Activity 7: Dealing with fears and potential problems.
 
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