Effective communication emanates from constant interaction, and as such communication is a key issue in human development. It is through effective communication that collaboration would occur. Without human instinct to interact and work as a group, a community would not exist. In the past, source of livelihood was gathering enough food to survive. However, when human decided to bind together, they went for a bigger hunting spree that exceeds what a family can consume. The outcome was better livelihood within the community, which is as a result of collaboration. Rheingold in his discussion emphasized the essence of collaboration in the evolution of Wikipedia. Today, Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia based on the work of numerous collaborators.
The advent of technology has taken collaboration beyond an imaginable level. We now have a global learning network where people from diverse culture, background, and race come together to construct new knowledge. One of the principles of constructivist according to Jonassen is that knowledge is socially co-constructed by learners (collaboration) based on their interpretation of experiences in the world. In Lev Vygotsky’s view, acquisition of knowledge is through shared problem solving experiences with others (collaboration). In essence, problem-based learning (PBL) is paramount in a constructivist learning environment in which collaboration is a critical feature (Driscoll, 2005). Reflecting on Rheingold’s statement “what forms of wealth could be created if we knew a little bit more about cooperation”? I would like to relate the question to a work on problem solving. I am working on a document using Google docs with collaborators from different countries to solve a peculiar problem. The cooperation to produce a well-written document is amazing. Chang & Lee (2010) in their research on collaboration between subject and computer teachers to facilitate PBL in their classroom revealed that there was an increase in motivation to learn and students’ performance. In several organizations, those within the workforce that could use technologies to reshape how they work have experienced significant productivity gains. The basis of the job of knowledge workers is collaboration, which means they interact to solve problems, serve customers, engage with partners, and nurture new ideas (Manyika, Sprague, & Yee, 2009). This substantiates how technology facilitates collaboration to create wealth.
References
Chang, L., & Lee, G. C. (2010). A team-teaching model for practicing project based learning in high school: Collaboration between computer and subject teachers. Computer & Education. 55(3). 961-969. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Manyika, J., Sprague, K., & Yee, L. (2009). Using technology to improve workforce collaboration. Retrieved from http://whatmatters.mckinseydigital.com/internet/using-technology-to-improve-workforce-collaboration.
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from
Aderonke,
ReplyDeleteI have in my notes that I had commented on your blog previously. As I look now, I don't see any comment in your posting. I previously commented on the effectiveness of global collaboration and the increased responsibility that puts on communication. As we increase our circle of contact, enhance communication skills become critical. Understanding of cultural and language differences also become more important. Part of the training in collaboration should address these issues to assist in global collaboration. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how this can occur in the classroom?