Online Collaborative Learning

##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

Welcome to the premier of "EduHound Extra!" Each month I'll explore a different topic dealing with technology in education. I'll point you in the direction of some excellent resources and provide as many tips as I can. I'm of the mind-set that while technology can be complex, challenging and even frustrating at times, it can also be rewarding, timesaving and enjoyable. So, let's get to this month's topic: online collaborative learning.

What is online collaborative learning? The term "collaborative learning" refers to an instructional method in which students at various performance levels work together in small groups toward a common goal. The students are responsible for each other's learning as well as their own, and the success of one student helps the others' success. Thus, by including an online component, you now have a traditional group model combined with an online learning environment.

Considerations:

  • Your project goals should fit your technology resources.
  • Look for projects that suit your class size and group needs so everyone can actively and productively participate.
  • Any project should fit into your instructional time frame.
  • Be cautious of any project that solicits personal student information.
  • In terms of technology requirements to participate in an online project, most often all you'll need is the e-mail address of the adult in charge and an Internet connection. However, carefully review any additional requirements before making any commitments.
  • Tips:

  • Solicit online project references from friends, colleagues, educational organizations and/or publications you trust.
  • Working in groups gives tech-savvy students an excellent opportunity to share their knowledge with fellow group members as well as their instructor.
  • Visit sites such as NCREL's "Learning With Technology Profile Tool" (www.ncrtec.org/capacity/profile/profwww.htm). This profile questionnaire helps you compare your current instructional practices with a set of indicators for engaged learning and high-performance technology.
  • Try not to do too much, too fast. By starting simple and knowing what you can do with your resources at hand, you'll have a successful experience.
  • Join an Online Project:

  • Global SchoolNet's Internet Projects Registry
      www.gsn.org/pr
      Projects hosted by the GSN Foundation and other reputable organizations, as well as extraordinary online projects conducted by classroom teachers worldwide.
  • Blue Web'n - Learning Sites Library
      www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn
      This searchable database of outstanding Internet learning sites categorizes entries by content, audience and type.
  • ThinkQuest
      www.thinkquest.org
      Provides an opportunity for students and educators to work collaboratively in teams to learn as they create Web-based learning materials and teach others.
  • Create an Online Project:

  • NickNacks Telecollaborate!
      http://telecollaborate.net
      This comprehensive site includes project how-to's, samples, a project template, a project planner and much more.
  • Until next month - good luck! In the meantime, please feel free to send your questions or suggestions to [email protected].

    Judith B.Rajala, president and founder of EduHound.com, is an independent education technology instructor and former K-12 educator. She is also a consultant for several Connecticut-based state technology organizations.

    Featured

    • A geometric pattern of open Chromebook computers with bold outlines, subtle shading, and soft gradients, spaced evenly with vibrant green and blue accents on a neutral background.

      Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for the 'Great Chromebook Refresh'

      During the pandemic, the education community scrambled to provide students with laptops to promote online learning equity and mitigate learning loss. Today, those devices are approaching the end of their useful lives — and a "great Chromebook refresh" has been predicted as schools seek to replace them with newer models.  

    • glowing futuristic laptop with a holographic screen displaying digital text

      New Turnitin Product Offers AI-Powered Writing Tools with Instructor Guardrails

      Academic integrity solution provider Turnitin has launched Turnitin Clarity, a paid add-on for Turnitin Feedback Studio that provides a composition workspace for students with educator-guided AI assistance, AI-generated writing feedback, visibility into integrity insights, and more.

    • illustration of an open book lying flat with vibrant AI-themed symbols, including neural networks, circuits, gears, and a glowing brain

      New Resource Offers Guide to AI Instruction Across Grades PreK-12

      The School Library Systems Association of New York has created a free resource for PreK-12 educators on building student understanding of artificial intelligence.

    • Google Classroom tools

      Google Announces Classroom Updates, New Tools for Chromebooks

      Google has introduced a variety of features across its products for education, announced recently at the 2025 BETT ed tech event in London. Among the additions are enhancements to Google Classroom and new tools for Chromebooks, "designed to help address the diverse needs of students around the world," Google said in a blog post.