Rheingold (2008) states that humans have a basic instinct to
work together to complete a common goal.
He believed if our ancestors were as competitive as many believed than
how does the need to collaborate exist at all (2008). I believe that humans do want to interact and
work together. Even though I am not one
who easily engages with those around me, I will seek out my peers when I need
advice or help completing a project.
Over the years, I have realized there advantages of working with
others. It seems there are many
companies that have come to this realization as well (Rheingold, 2008). There are many companies that are beginning
to realize that open source can help their companies in the long run
(2008). These companies have found that
some sharing is in their best interest (2008).
There are many technologies available today that lend themselves
to collaboration. Virtual worlds can
create an atmosphere where people can come together and work on a common
problem. Wikis and blogs are another
avenue people can use to work together.
Social media provides a forum for people to come together to share
ideas.
Collaboration is proving it is an effective tool for
learning. Edutopia
discusses one research study that showed how collaboration has given a set of
students the skills necessary to find success in the world around them. Collaboration has provided a way for teachers
to gain students’ attention and strengthen their understanding (Vega &
Terada, 2012).
References
Rheingold, H. (2008,
February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html.
Vega, V. & Terada,
Y. (2012, December). Research supports collaborative learning. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/stw-collaborative-learning-research.
Hi Lori,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that collaboration is an effective tool for learning. In fact, collaboration requires patience from each participant in the group. Each team member must be willing just to work with one another to accomplish a common goal. Moreover, collaboration requires each participant to trust one another from start to finish. A participant can be a teacher, a parent, a company, or the government. No matter who the participant is, he/she has to fulfill all promises made to his/her team members in order to meet the collective goal. The rule of the game is simple; do not promise anything you cannot deliver. Rheingold (2008) states that the prisoner’s dilemma is one of the mythic narratives of social dilemmas. Do you feel that every time teachers and government collaborate a prisoner’s dilemma will be the result? That said, Lori, what is your opinion about collaboration between teachers and government?
Thanks,
Konstadinos Alevriadis
Reference
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
I believe it is a very slippery road. It all goes back to your statement,"requires each participant to trust one another". You have teachers who may think politicians only have their interests at heart and do not really know what goes on in the school system. Then you have the politician who may think the teachers are why schools are failing. I believe for true collaboration to happen, these two groups have to put aside ill feelings they have for each other. I just do not see it happening. What are your thoughts?
DeleteLori,
ReplyDeleteI share your ideas about collaboration and the effect it can and does have on our society as a whole. The many different avenues that all lead to collaboration via technology is proving its staying power for future scrutiny. Do you feel in education, as a whole, reform still has not fully taken advantage of this process of collaboration and what it can achieve, especially for those troubled learners?