I do believe humans have a basic instinct to collaborate in group work as proposed by Rheingold (2010). Every time a student asks me to explain a certain concept of film production, my eyes light up. At that time, I dedicate all of my attention on sharing what I know. I also like to use resources like blogs and Wikipedia to understand things I do not already know. These actions make me feel that I am a part of a community.
Technology has allowed people to collaborate worldwide in information sharing. Engaging in social constructivist activities individuals have been able to facilitate working together as a whole. The Internet has been a method for global collaboration by connecting users from all over the world. A middle-aged woman in Russia can discuss socialism with an 8th grader in Des Moines for the 8th grader’s school assignment. The Russian shares her past experiences by having a brand new experience with the 8th grader. In turn, the 8th grader uses that experience to generate knowledge.
Flynt and Brozo (2010) supported the idea of collaboration as an effective tool for learning in the online environment. Content classrooms on the Internet not only embrace collaboration in the classroom, but outside as well. Students partner on webquest projects, which allows students to plan, investigate and produce work collaboratively. Flynt and Brozo (2010) concluded benefits from these environments to develop student self-expression, build learner motivation, build relationships to the outside world, and to develop self-reliance, independence, and confidence.
Resources:
Flynt, E., & Brozo, W. (2010). Visual Literacy and the Content Classroom: A Question of Now, Not When. Reading Teacher, 63(6), 526-528. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
