A reflective account of collaborative successes and failures ……. a true story!

1. A reflective account of collaborative successes and failures ……. a true story! Team A from Course 3 of the 2003/04 CeLTT programme

2. Team A …. Course 3

3. CeLTT …. The whole programme Course 1 An Introduction to eLearning, Teaching & Training Course 2 Designing eLearning, Teaching & Training Course 4 eLearning Project Course 3 Principles of eLearning, Teaching & Training

4. CeLTT …. The whole programme Course 1 Collaborative tasks & written proposal Course 2 Coursework portfolio document & evidence of tasks Course 4 Personal learning contract and agreed project Course 3 Group multimedia report & an individual reflective report

5. Enquiry-based collaborative learning – tutors provide roadmap in form of key questions Controversy-based questions – e.g. identify & discuss pros & cons, etc Access to rich & relevant information provided Tutors help to focus interaction on rational arguments High concurrency inherent in CeLTT structures No individual assessments of team members The Course 3 model

6. Instant, live online interaction (RTCs) Discussion of topics asynchronously Build a network of trusted colleagues Work & learn together in a digital workspace Share files, resources, links, ideas Use collaborative content tools Emphasis on building knowledge, not content Collaborative learningThe possibilities we exploited

7. Met at initial induction day – good social interaction online Optimum group size – 4 persons Diversity of experience & training Common interest – to be eTutors we acknowledge need to be eLearners! Varied skill sets within the group Disciplined & methodical approach Shared responsibilities Team A’s advantages

8. Schedule Roles

9. Knowledge Construction • Explored theoretical understanding and interpretation • Professional context influence • meaning and application • Agreement of definitions • Individual acquisition (passive)

10. Barriers to Collaboration • Priorities and Commitments • Individual Assumptions • Adoption of Roles • Disagreements • Personal Circumstances

11. Group’s Final Report • Web-based multimedia report • http://www.bedford.ac.uk/smonie/celtt3 • Dreamweaver, Flash, Microsoft Office • One production role, many content provision & checking roles

12. Group’s Final Report • Effective but hard to manage • Common skill base • Managing Rights and Responsibilities of production • VLE would increase production roles and file version management

13. Shared production of report - i.e. each team member doing a part All Team A Members Research, Notes, Content Report Design Tools Not chosen Learning Environment Software Collation, Screen Design, Editing Proofing, Comments Web Pages, Images, Multimedia, Document Formatting All Team A Members

14. Production of report by one team member All Team A Members Option selected Research, Notes, Content Proofing, Comments Web Report Learning Environment One Team A Member Web Pages, Images, Multimedia, Document Formatting Design Tools Collation, Screen Design, Editing

15. Application of online collaboration in our own professional contexts • Mike …..client case conferencing online in “back-to-work” programmes for persons with disabilities, and learner groups in computerised accounting courses • Aga ….. EBL in management training and professional development programmes, and online collaborative discussion of case studies • Simon …..problem-solving for groups of learners in vocational training schemes, modern apprenticeships and • Sharon …. transforming Learning with ILT (JEB Level 4), staff development programmes and support materials in blended environments

16. In Conclusion • Collaboration improves over time • Social interaction is important • Technology is not a barrier but lack of skills could be • Frustrations can be overcome • Tutors are a key motivator / mediator.