M3, Collaboration ParksJ

M3, Collaboration ParksJ

Driscoll (2005) postulated the constructivist theory knowledge acquisition is a continuous process of self-construction and engagement. Knowledge is not just out there waiting to be gathered or discovered. Nor does it just appear out of nowhere; instead knowledge is invented and reinvented (Driscoll, 2005). Piaget believed children actively approach their environments and acquire knowledge through actions. Collaboration is engaging all stakeholders in developing and acquiring new knowledge. New and emerging technological advancements make active collaboration among learners, possible. Collaboration allows individuals to present ideas to a group for discussion, analysis, contribution, development, and enhancement.

All humans have a basic instinct to freely or for profit to interact and work as a group (Rheingold, 2008). New and emerging technologies hold a lot of promise in the field of educational technology. This new and emerging technology will influence the value and amount of group interactions. The role of technology in collaborative learning is engaging learners in the process of learning and interaction with others. New and emerging technologies that will facilitate collaboration among learners includes Google Docs, YouTube, wikis, eBooks, blogging, Flickr, Twitter, the Cloud, and iPad. Another collaborative tool based on the constructivist principles, is SharePoint sites provide places to capture and share ideas, information, communication, and documents (Machielse, 2011). The sites facilitate team participation in discussions, shared document collaboration, and surveys. Site content is accessible from both a Web browser and through clients that support Web Services (SharePoint, 2012).

Graham (2009) believed new and emerging technology can facilitate the collaboration process by linking individuals who share a common interest and goal. Effective communication is a key to knowledge construction (Brown, 2005).

References:

Graham, K.  (2009).  TechMatters: We’re in this Together: Using Technology to Facilitate Collaboration,
           Part II.  Central Michigan University.  LOEX Quarterly. Volume 36 Number 2

http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/pdfs/SU09UnleashingTheFuture.pdf

Machielse, C. (2011). 7 Ways to Use Technology for Collaborative Learning in Your Classroom.  http://info.lecturetools.com/blog/bid/33416/7-Ways-to-Use-Technology-for-Collaborative-Learning-in-Your-Classroom.

Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html