Teamwork
Teamwork on the Web offers teachers and students an
opportunity to share their learning experiences with others around the world.
Based on the computer equipment, Internet connection, teacher, and student
experience and skill with the Web, a variety of projects can be undertaken under
the umbrella of collaboration. Collaborative learning allows students to share
their knowledge and experiences with others and to develop their own skill and
expertise within a supportive learning environment.
We have developed the
following list of helpful tips and techniques for teachers for collaborating on
the Web:
- Although it would be useful to have a computer for every group of students in
a class, keep in mind that even a single computer and Internet connection can
support simple and powerful collaborations. From e-mail, to accessing and even
publishing results on a Web page, a single computer and Internet connection can
serve many purposes in a classroom. If there is only one computer in a given
classroom, have students take an active role in determining how the time will be
allocated; this can contribute to a positive collaborative experience.
- A
positive collaborative experience does not depend on the amount of available
software. For instance, powerful collaborative experiences can be facilitated by
e-mail alone.
- When feasible, get a core group of students who are
responsible for learning to use some technology and teaching that technology to
other students. This serves many purposes:
- students become both consumers and
producers of knowledge,
- students come to appreciate each other as learners and
teachers (experts),
- when students become experts, they can provide support and
guidance to other students in the classroom,
- having students responsible for
mastery of technology can allow the teacher to spend more time helping students
learn individually and in groups.
- Use whatever technical support services
are available to you, both inside and outside the school. These might include
media specialists, other teachers, high school students, parents, significant
others, etc. Build and use a network of support people as you expand your
collaborations, and use the Intenet as a medium for establishing and sharing your
experiences.
- To get some ideas about how to incorporate collaboration on
the Web into the classroom, take a look at projects and
ongoing collaborations that other classes and teachers are involved in.
- When you are ready to contact another school about possible collaborations,
contact several at once. You will get answers from some people you contact, and
you won't get answers from some others. Keep trying until you make a connection.
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