Communication+and+Collaboration

There are numerous ways for collaboration and communication using technology. The internet allows students the opportunity to communicate with the world. We don't need to teach them that. They are submerged in technology daily with such tools as texting, FaceBook, blogging and Skype.

From an educational view, teachers can utilize those tools to get all students to participate and collaborate with each other. Students who are quiet and non-participatory suddenly find a voice. There is also accountability for all students involved.

Here is an example of a wiki I created to be used over Christmas break. The purpose was to get some of my students to participate in an online Reader's Club where I could monitor the progress.

A Christmas Carol wiki

I also used the same idea to implement a Summer Reader's Group. Summer Reading wiki

For both projects, there was a face-to-face meeting requirement, so the students and myself had the opportunity to debrief the experience.

Another way I have used the wiki is for the student newspaper, the //Lancer Ledger//. The students have even using the wiki to communicate with each other and gather information. For example, the "staff editorial" used to be the result of a meeting of staff members who discussed a topic and formed an opinion piece. Now, the staff has found better collaboration and more in-depth comments if the topic is posted in a discussion board on our wiki. GM Lancer Ledger Collaboration wiki

Wikis are only one tool. Googledocs can also be an awesome way for students to present group work in a public forum. For example, after students complete a virtual field trip or webquest, I have them share their findings using Google Docs. google docs

Remember... We don't want students to just FIND information. What do you want them to DO with that information?