Collaboration

=Collaboration - Higher Order Contribution and Co-Creation= //"Co-creation isn't a co-operative 'create and share' mode, but represents the true collaboration we need in modern society"//

Collaboration literally means two or more people working together. Collaboration in learning means more than connecting or communicating or cooperating. It is a higher order thinking and problem solving skill. When it is done across classrooms and across countries it can become a powerful tool for development and knowledge building.

Collaboration and Local/Global Communication Technique[[image:Screenshot 2014-02-17 13.06.25.png width="349" height="284" align="right"]]

 * **Local:** Collaborators who are geographically closer provide more opportunity for ** synchronous communication ** and often cultural and linguistic differences can be minimized.
 * **Global:** Collaborators who are geographically dispersed (eg cultural and linguistic differences or different time-zones) require more of an ** asynchronous communication ** approach. However, it is possible for collaborators to be in the same time-zone offering synchronous communication, but geographically distant with cultural and linguistic differences.

Collaboration: Getting Started

 * Get connected using common Web 2.0 tools
 * Start small, be organised and have clear aims and structures
 * Choose short activities at first, plan for accessible, short-term interactions
 * Develop digital citizenship skills along the way
 * Monitor student participation, be involved and provide feedback
 * Embed the activity into the curriculum

=Tools for Collaboration=
 * Wiki
 * Backchannel
 * Blog
 * Google docs / Google Sites / Google Apps
 * Educational network - Ning, Edmodo
 * Multimedia - WeVideo

=Curriculum Design for Collaboration=
 * Mixed teams of learners
 * Shared research, meaningful contributions - you cannot have collaboration without contribution
 * Collaborative learning environments - Web 2.0 - synchronous and asynchronous communication
 * Problem solving and focused discussion opportunities
 * Co-creation of a final product(s)

=Global Collaboration 3.0=
 * Engaged, connected teachers who know how to communicate using Web 2.0 and other online tools
 * Carefully planned and designed projects that are implemented with a view to effectively join classrooms together to enhance learning
 * Common assessment objectives
 * High expectations and requirements for connectivity and collaboration on teachers and students
 * Extended community partners who provide new knowledge, skills and resources for the learning community
 * Use of multimedia to pitch ideas to solve real-world problems
 * Teacher or student initiated themes, student-centered learning