Module 3 Post Cooperative arrangements vs. individuals

Cooperative arrangements vs. individuals

I agree with Reheingold that humans have a basic instinct to work together as a group based on past history.  The video also discussed that collaboration does require the loss of some self reward through competition to achieve an overall collaborated effort. I agree that this is necessary for the progression of society. The world is showing that is the direction that we are moving towards with the current coloration efforts discussed such as science, space exploration and healthcare; cure experimentation. 

The constructivist principle that people learn as they learn is supported by collaborated technology such as blogs.  I and many of my fellow students had not yet been exposed to blogging until learning took place during some of our courses.  While learning new principles and theories we also learned the technique of blogging including reading and responding to other blogs.  Another principle that motivation is a key component is supported by the technology that is utilized in our classroom small groups to support and motivate our team.  The teams utilize technology such as Skype, chat and wikis to provide and receive peer and instructor support. 

The following is a link to a research study that took place over two years where participants were places in groups to collaborate utilizing technology for collaborative learning. The dialogue exchanges between the students and instructors fostered and environment that exceeded the plan curriculum and enhanced learning.   

http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=52b9c9cc-0d9b-4eed-bc58-c1f574635544%40sessionmgr111&vid=6&hid=123

References

Fisher, M., Thompson, G. S., & Silverberg, D. A. (2005). Effective Group Dynamics in e-learning: Case Study. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 33(3), 205-222. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

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