Wanda Ardoin-Bailey
Module 3 Blog Assignment
Yes, I believe humans have a basic instinct to work together. As long as I can remember, teamwork was the biggest buzz word in any industry. When I was in high school, it was the most important character trait. This continued through college and as a high school teacher. If being a team player is an important character trait, then being able to work well with others seem to encompass the biggest advantages.
However, being a team player with others outside an industry seems to be an extension of teamwork of the past. Though we still will always have Coke competing against Pepsi and PCs with Mac, cooperation among large industries will be the new way to give more and learn more. It may mean those “big corporations” will be lead by new and innovative companies with the idea of sharing and collaborating as part of their mission with its new form of wealth as Rheingold explains (2008).
One extensive study shows how important collaborative tools can be for effective communication. These tools in the study included the use of Skype, mobile e-mails, and Sharepoint. Though there were obstacles to cross such as privacy and security concerns, those interviewed found tremendous benefits in using these collaborative tools. http://www.netskills.ac.uk/content/projects/jisc-bce-collab-tools-study/jisc-bce-collab-tools-study-report-final.pdf
Technology facilitates collaboration according to Driscoll (2005) by providing experts from a variety of places to interact with learners, providing students with simulations that gives them real world experiences without the cost or the danger, and helping students to be aware of what they are actually learning and by becoming managers of their own learning process.
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston , MA
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
RESPONSE:
Responses were made to the blogs of Christine Rand and Christine Moore
Responses were made to the blogs of Christine Rand and Christine Moore
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteThere will always be obstacles when it comes to technology but they do not outweigh the benefits of the technology tools. There are many benefits to collaborating and technology has enhanced traditional collaborating practices. It was not too long that collaborating consisted of individuals meeting in a designated location or students gathering in a single area to partake in discussion. Technology has given collaboration a face lift. To me the greatest benefit is that technology devices and tools such as Skype, Smartphones, Ipads and more allow people to collaborate on the go. Technology has made collaborating convenient.
Wanda,
ReplyDeleteGreat points! I agree that we tend to compete rather than collaborate. Honestly, what would happen if industry rivals worked together to make the next best piece of technology? Or solved a huge social issue? I think the results would be staggering.
I agree with LaTonya's assessment above that technology has made collaboration convenient. Do you think that in this convenience though we tend not to put a lot of effort into professional collaboration?
Erica
Erica, I believe that we tend not to set aside time for collaboration with other professionals. As with any other aspect of planning, collaborating with other professionals should be scheduled. What do you think about adding this to our planning time?
ReplyDeleteWanda,
ReplyDeleteI was reminded of a t-shirt I saw a student wearing the other day. The front said, "There is no I in TEAM" and on the back it said, "But there is an I in WIN".
Although we do naturally seem to be drawn to others in an effort to collaborate and work together, we also have that competitive streak that drives us to do even more. When it comes to the professional world, it is difficult to collaborate for many reasons: time, energy, and competetiveness could even play a role.
Some teachers are themselves competetive and jealously guard their projects and lessons. What do you think would be a good way to combat this tendency?
Great blog!
Christine Moore