Quote: "Collaboration seemed to be a critical component in the media arts practices at this design studio. Youth not only learned about computer programming from their social participation
but they also became motivated by collaborating with peers and mentors to create and share work."
Response: A variety of technology users benefit from a social and work environment that allows for collaboration. I believe it would be very rare to find a computer user that does not occasionally reach out for technical support from another. If an individual meets with friends and shows off their "new" phone, chances are someone in the gathering will provide assistance and support in learning the ins and outs of the new gadget.
I have often benefited from the collaboration of others when working on graphics programs, designing forms in word or other creative process.
Resource:
I attended the Appalachian Studies Association Conference this weekend in Boone, NC. I attended a variety of technology sessions where integration, collaboration, design, and implementation were discussed. I am delighted to share one of these resources with this class.
Berea College in Berea, Kentucky presented a session entitled, "Mappalachia.org: Digital Thinking, Learning, Composing, and Disseminating in Appalachian Studies." Students in a Mapping Appalachia with Digital Media course, in the summer of 2011 created this incredible resource in just four weeks. While it is fair to acknowledge that the instructors of the course admit to having some foundation work done for the project prior to the course it is also equally important to mention that they noted that some of their precourse work was severely altered during the class.
Three students presented on their project and all three commented on how important collaboration was in executing this project. Students worked in teams on the various components of the projects, such as framework, database development, and creativity and design. The logo was created by a student from Saudi Arabia.
The students and the audience in the presentation were all energized by the collaborative discussion that was driven by the unveiling of the project. Professors, students on the panel, and student in the audience, found ways to change, improve, and utilize this dynamic interface.
Citations:
Berea College. (2011, July). Mappalachia. Retrieved from http://mappalachia.org/berea.php
Peppler, K. A., & Kafai, J. (n.d.). Collaboration, computation, and creativity: Media arts practices in urban youth culture. Retrieved from https://ilearn-fsu.wvnet.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/launcher?type=Course&id=_13908_1&url=
I agree that collaboration plays a big role in becoming technology literate. I see it working in my classroom everytime we are using the computers. If one student is struggling or has a question, there is another one who can help. The students are always eager to help each other when it comes to using technology. Sometimes they even help me!
ReplyDeleteCollaboration is vital for expanding the learning process. No one has all the answers and students need to understand that it's okay to ask questions and help each other. I had no clue that Berea College had classes like that. I lived about 40 minutes away from Berea, Kentucky when I was in high school.
ReplyDeleteWow! The Appalachian Mapping project is impressive! I bet is got your wheels spinning about future educational activity that could take place on the Appalachian Folk Life center website!
ReplyDeleteI like your quote on collaboration. Very rarely in the real world are we on an isle in terms of producing something so teamwork skills are very important for education.
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