Collaboration Tools

The readings we did this week are sort of what I expected we would talk about throughout this class, thankfully, I have been pleasantly surprised that we have discussed other topics. I think that most of my internet use is with collaboration tools. It's hard for me to think of something that I use online that isn't a collaboration tool.

The knowledge building article discussed the tension between "tried and true" knowledge techniques (drill and practice, tutoring etc.) vs. exploratory activities on the other. The article proposes that we should search for a third way to teach. The article really made me think of my science methods class, my professor REALLY emphasized teaching science through inquiry. After taking that class and experiencing a classroom in my practicum, I can see how HUGE this idea is. Students don't respond to being lectured, they like to ask questions and explore learning.

I think the strongest point for online collaborative learning environments is their ability to share information from wherever you are. I remember working on projects in elementary school, only to panic when I realized I had forgotten a prized worksheet or important information. Having these things accessible from home is a great benefit for students working together as well as for those students who forget things.