Using Global Collaborative Projects to Enhance Learning

1
Using Global Collaborative Projects to Enhance
Learning

• David Le Blanc
• leblanc_at_mysandbox.net

2
Overview

• Problem space
• Rationale
• Definitions
• Explorations
• Q A

3
Public Education Online learning

• Online course development
• Contracted to teacher developers
• Content driven
• Over-reliance on prescribed learning resources
• Online course delivery
• Instructor training
• Assessment versus Activity driven
• Too little peer interaction

4
(No Transcript)
5
(No Transcript)
6
(No Transcript)
7
What is Collaborative Learning

• Joint intellectual effort by students (or
  students and teachers)
  
• Students work in groups, mutually searching for
  understanding, solutions, or meanings, or
  creating a product
  
• Most activities centre on students exploration
  or application of course materials (goals)
  
• Smith and MacGregor (1992)

8
Collaboration types

• epals, Keypals, Discussions
• Collaborative Projects
• Wide Area Research
• Competitions

9

• teacher-designed interactive projects
• monitored email
• instant translation
• discussion boards
• private chat, e-cards

Sample links
10

• A place to collaborate and network with friends
  around the world.
  
• helping children understand themselves
• identify and define goals for life
• collaborate with peers around the globe,
  individually or through school.
  
• develop life-skills
• encourage creativity
• build social networks across divides.
• motivate learning by helping teachers relate
  curriculum to students' personal interests, and
  integrate with local curriculum guidelines.

Sample links
11
Learning Circles (iEARN)

• Theme based project work (authentic student
  work)
  
• 6-8 teachers classrooms
• 3-4 month time span
• Collegial support / Pro. D.

Sample links
12

• Worlds largest non-profit global network
• Students (6-19)
• Searchable project database
• Interactivity, not passivity
• iEARN regularly collaborates with many diverse
  governments, NGOs, foundations, educational
  agencies, youth groups, religious groups, etc.
  

Sample links
13

• Scientists and researchers team with students to
  explore fascinating natural environments
  
• Students apply what they learn to their own
  corner of the world.
  
• Standards based content / activities
• Online courses and Professional Development

Sample links
14

• online project-based learning activities
• international network of 90,000 online educators
  
  
• partners with schools, universities, communities,
  businesses and other organizations to co-develop
  free or low cost programs
  
• Internet Projects Registry

Sample links
15

• An annual competition
• Students work in small teams
• Entries are published in an online library
• Prizes and recognition
• Diverse teams, with members from more than one
  school, community or country, are encouraged.

Sample links
16
QA
17
Suggestions

• Start by participating in an existing project
  (the most boring)
  
• Try to replace one traditional activity with a
  global project
  
• Connect with your peers to discuss collaborative
  activities
  
• Follow various project sites, listservs, etc.,
  for ideas
  
• Introduce your learners to collaborative sites
  and ask them how they want to participate

18
References

• Smith, Barbara Leigh and Jean MacGregor. "What is
  Collaborative Learning?" Collaborative Learning
  A Sourcebook. National Center on Teaching,
  Learning, and Assessment, University Park, Pa.
  1992.

19
David Le Blanc
email leblanc_at_mysandbox.net
Web http//MySandbox.net