7. Electronic Collaboration & Interaction

• The trend over the last decade is less competition and greater collaboration. This evolution is a social phenomena and a vital learning principal. Computers support virtual teaming. We need people who have learned how to learn. As an example, InnoCentive is a network that connects scientists with companies that have problems to solve. Tools like Skype and GoogleTalk promote such collaboration. Students can have an authentic audience for their work, which can inspire them to achieve at higher levels. Sites like iEARN and ePals allow students to exchange ideas with peers elsewhere. Students and scientists can watch remote webcams to gather real-time data. This is a big change from reading textbooks and listening to lectures. Collaborations between schools require a great deal of planning.

Share this: