Collaborative Learning

Collaborative learning can look so many different ways. Traditionally, in the classroom, it might have meant allowing students to do group projects and put their desks together to talk or work on a project together. I think that way of looking at it is fine, I think there is a lot of benefit for students to work with each other in person and face to face. However, I think there can be so much more meaning in the term collaborative learning when we implement the technology that is available to us today. If we are fortunate enough to work in a school that has a one device to one student ratio then we are able to utilize technology is so many different ways. There are so many different platforms and programs available for teachers and classrooms these days. I plan to implement as many different technological resources as I can. It was really encouraging seeing all of the programs that are available that are specific to classroom usage that are free! This will allow students to collaborate with each other, such as using a google doc that they can all edit at home. Or perhaps, students will be able to collaborate with other students at their school, or district. Lastly, I plan to implement technology that will allow students to correspond with and learn from students around the globe. I believe there is so much to be learned from students in other countries, and we are able to access information with just a click!