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This resource from the E-Learning Academy emphasizes the importance of online collaborative projects in education. It defines collaboration as working together to solve problems, exchange information, and enhance learning experiences. Engaging students in real-world community issues fosters motivation and skill application. Research shows that both youth and teachers benefit from collaborative efforts resulting in improved educational outcomes. This guide provides insights into various types of projects, effective strategies, and resources for educators looking to integrate online collaboration into their classrooms.
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Exploring Online Collaborative Projects E-Learning Academy Indiana Department of Education January 2005
Definition Collaboration is the act of working together with others to accomplish something or to solve a problem. Outside participation Exchange of information • Communication • Data gathering • Analysis • Summation Problem Solving
Break the isolation of typical classroom Experience people, places & activities More enjoyable learning Puts student in the driver’s seat Connected to a real audience Provide a community service Participate in history in the making Provides relevant, real-life experiences Level playing field for all learners, cultures, ages, etc. Benefits of Online Projects
CILC Research Findings The Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration regularly contracts with research firms to assess the value and outcomes of community partnerships. Research findings show: Youth • Value sharing ideas with community/government organizations. • Find it motivating when organizations incorporate their ideas. • Enjoy applying their academic skills to a community issue. • Understand issues facing urban, rural, and suburban areas. Teachers • Find that collaboration brings valuable resources to classrooms. • Are energized by students' increased motivation and enthusiasm. Community partners • Make meaningful contributions to the education of today's youth. • Gain input from youth's perspectives on key community issues http://www.cilc.org/Research.aspx
Collaboration Work together toward a goal to produce a product http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/aeLCOCclassanat.html (Classroom Anatomy) Data Collection/ Analysis Share local data for large group analysis http://www.landmark-project.com/ggl/us_list.html(Global Grocery List) Interpersonal Exchange Go beyond pen pal exchanges http://www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/cc/santa/indexen.htm (Letters to Santa Claus) http://www.monsterexchange.org/ (Monster Exchange) Problem Solving Simulations, social action, etc. http://www.nationalmathtrail.org/ http://www.cilc.org/community_partnerships.aspx Mentoring Projects Exchanges with experts, different age groups, etc. for mutual benefit http://emissary.wm.edu/index.php?content=project_overview.html&menu=What (Electronic Emissary) Vicarious Adventures Online museums, re-enactments of history, field trip information www.jason.org (JASON Expeditions) http://www.discoverycenter.org/efieldtrips.asp (Discovery Center, Springfield, MO) Events One-time activities http://www.spaceday.org/index.html(Space Day) Types of Projects
A Typical Project… http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/genproj/index.html
Questions to Ask • Why is this project important? • What does this project do that can't be done in a traditional classroom? • How does this project provide a unique experience for my students? • Would the perspectives or data collected from people from different places, cultures, or backgrounds be useful?
Checklist for Using Projects • Project Size • Small groups • Individuals • Few or Many Schools • Project Dates • Registration Deadline • Duration • Project Length • One Shots • Short Term • Ongoing • Flexible
Checklist for Using Projects • Participant Background • Similar or Different • Location • Socioeconomics • Age, gender, interests • Content Area Focus • Cultural connections • Real-world relevance • Effective Assessments • Project relevance • Authentic sharing • Motivating, meaningful • Appropriate technology • Hardware/software needed • Does technology make good use of the time? • How is data collected & shared?
Try These Keywords… • Epals • Collaboration • student project • online activities • email project • travel buddy • Telecollaborate • key pals • online projects • video conferencing • student forum • online discussion • data collection Getting Started • Where can you find these projects? • Better Searching Terms • topic (or content area) + keyword • reading + "travel buddy“ • Collections • http://www.globalschoolhouse.org/GSH/pr/_cfm/index.cfm
Start Searching! • Look over the links in handout • Choose your favorite site • Discuss why you like it with the group • Other resources you found?
Credits • Annette Lamb, Eduscapes • www.eduscapes.com • Tech Learning • www.techLearning.com • Edutopia (The George Lucas Foundation) • Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration • www.cilc.org Created by Sandy Schaufelberger, Education Consultant E-Learning Academy, 2004