Technology and collaborative learning
Technology
and collaborative learning
Topic 3 of the ONL172 course got me thinking about cooperation,
collaboration and teamwork. We, as South
African lecturers and teachers, are constantly reminded of the benefits of
group work. We use it in our teaching,
but it mostly happens with lots of students who complain about it. If we must be honest to ourselves, we all
hate group work. We always have the
situation of one person who is not doing their part of the work. How can this be solved? Can technology help?
During our group discussions for ONL172 we realised that
there is a huge amount of technology, in the form of apps, that can enhance
collaborative learning and still give the individual a chance to be recognised
for their part in the collaboration. Wikispaces
(www.wikispaces.com) is one of the wonderful
tools that can be used. I particularly
liked the tracking system of the app. It
gives the facilitator the opportunity to track individual students while they’re
collaborating on a topic. That might be
a way to keep an eye on the students who are not pulling their weight.
During Topic 3 I’ve really experienced the value of cooperation
and collaboration. The group members
were helping each other to formulate ideas while discussing the scenario. The concept of brainstorming together as a
group is amazing. The process helps the
student to focus their ideas. Working
actively together in a group is beneficial to the whole group. We used Popplet (www.popplet.com) as our tool for our final
presentation. We we’re able to see each
member’s contribution but were also able to have a collaborated version. The outcome of the work is also of better quality
and better thought through than if it was only one student’s work. I’ve changed my preconceived ideas of group
work. There is definitely value in group
work, even if we sometimes hate it.
Insights of great value, I must say. I fully agree that the major strength during topic 3 was the respectful, open-minded and illuminating discussions making collaboration visible. It was not outcome directed, and the outcome is more of a learning result, than a formal presentation. I think the group learnt a fair bit about ways of working, and the members a bit about themselves. In that sense I fully agree with you that the result from topic 3 is paramount to all of us. The actual presentation presented allowed us to learn a bit about a new tool, yes for sure, but the way we used it to illustrate, what we as group gave ourselves the opportunity to learn during the topic, is questionable.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't hate group work, but sometimes I dislike it ;-))
I agree, looking at it now "hate" might've been too strong. "Dislike" is definitely a better choice of words. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGroup work is always challenging, but when you get it right, it can be very powerful for learning. I also find group work tricky/challenging to be part of, but the ONL course has certainly taught me the merits of it. It's a great pity we did not get to use Wikispaces, its a tool I intend to explore more. Thanks for sharing, you have shared some very interesting insights.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words!
ReplyDeleteHa! I can definitely relate to the first paragraph.
ReplyDeleteThe second and third have given me food for my ever growing list of apps and websites I need to be aware of. Thanks.
Now since we have finished with modules, I got time to read some blogs. It was challenging to make this module happen but was in the same time nice. No leader and everyone need to push the car to the garage. I agree with you for the availability of the enormous e-tools available now. Just need to know how we want to deliver the message nicely. Well done
ReplyDelete