I do indeed believe that humans have a basic instinct to interact and work as a group. As far back as time reaches, man has known to work and form collaborative, working groups. This is the basis of tribes and cultures. Fast forward to today, in our school systems and work systems, teams are formed on a daily basis to solve a problem or work on a project, workshop, or event. It is truly easier to collaborate and work together as a group than to delve into a huge task all alone.
Technology can facilitate collaboration among learners in several ways, based on constructivist principles. The constructivist principle of self-directed learning is definitely enhanced by technology in that it increases engagement with material and supports inquiry based approaches. Technology and namely the Internet afford learners the opportunity to interact with knowledge and seek actively information necessary to complete a task. Even this week in our assignments, technology, via Google Docs and Skype has allowed learners from across the world and spanning the coasts of the country to collaborate in a timely, effective, and efficient manner. Other technological advances such as cell phones, Instant Messengers, E-Mail, blogs and wikis further this collaboration notion in true constructivist form-active engagement built upon prior knowledge to collaborate in an inquiry-based environment.
Resources/Useful Websites:
http://www.calpro-online.org/eric/docs/brown/brown01_05.pdf
Responses Posted to the Following:
Nice blog Charity.
ReplyDeleteI agree that over time we have demonstrated an innate ability to collaborate. Why is it then, that we're having so much difficulty with the concept in education? Why is it that there is so much strife in the world?
Is it possible that self-reliance is also innate, and that we decide when one, collaboration or 'going it alone,' suits particular situations best?