Collaboration course

Introduction: What this Course Provides

This course provides examples and examinations into various forms of collaborative learning. Using a filter composed of the important features of collaborative learning, the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of electronic collaborative learning will be discussed.

The course begins by examining collaborative learning in general. The intention of using collaborative learning, and how it advances learning outcomes, is discussed. General aspects and features of collaborative learning methods will be discussed and analyzed.

The next units discuss the most commonly used methods of collaborative learning. These units will not just discuss how they work, but also discuss what features of those methods contribute to deep understanding of knowledge. Examples of appropriate use will be provided.

Finally, the course will demonstrate how to determine the appropriate collaborative learning method to match the structure and objectives of the course you are teaching.

Unit 1: What Collaborative Learning provides

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe how collaborative learning supports a deeper understanding of knowledge
2. List and explain ways collaborative learning builds cognitive strategy

Unit 1 Collaboration

Unit 2: Aspects of Effective Collaborative Learning techniques

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to list five key aspects that build effectiveness in collaborative learning.

Unit 2 Collaboration

Unit 3: Asynchronous Discussion Boards

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to:
1. Define and explain the following terms: discussion group, discussion thread, and post
2. Define what discourse is, and describe how to effectively use it in a discussion group

Instructional Video:
Video on Discussion Groups
Video on Scaffolding tags

Unit 3 Collaboration

Unit 4: Asynchronous Wikis

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to:
1. Define a wiki
2. List and explain at least three advantages of using a wiki for instructional purposes
3. Describe the limitations of using a wiki

Video Lessons:
How Wikis contribute to collaborative learning
Using wikis for collaborative annotations
Creating and using wikis in classroom environments

Unit 4 Collaboration

Unit 5: Synchronous Chats

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to:
1. List the advantages to using an online Chat application for collaborative learning
2. Discuss some of the limitations of using a Chat application

Unit 5 Collaboration

Unit 6: File Sharing

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify key characteristics of file sharing systems
2. Define what version control is, and explain why it is important

Unit 6 Collaboration

Unit 7: Synchronous Virtual Meetings

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to demonstrate how to use a video conferencing site.

Unit 7 Collaboration

Unit 8: Choosing the Best Collaborative Learning

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify key characteristics of at least four different forms of collaborative learning methods
2. Match characteristics of collaborative learning methods to the structure of their course lessons to determine the best method to use at different points in their course instruction.

Unit 8 Collaboration

Unit 9: The Future of Collaborative Learning

Note to reviewers: This unit may not be complete until the end of the course