The document discusses developing an effective community for collaboration. It notes that collaboration promotes deeper learning, initiative, creativity, and critical thinking. It emphasizes building a sense of community where students feel safe contributing without fear of criticism. Characteristics of effective groups include clear goals, engagement of different learning styles, and a positive environment with high expectations and accountability. The stages of group development include forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. As an instructor, communicating expectations and providing feedback and support is important for facilitating successful collaboration.

1. Team Clark Developing Community for Effective Collaboration

2. Why Collaborate? Promotes deeper levels of knowledge Promotes initiative, creativity and development of critical thinking skills Promotes co-creation of knowledge Promotes reflection Developing Community for Effective Collaboration

3. Building Community A sense of community must exist for collaboration to occur When students sense they belong to a supportive group they feel safe to answer, extend their learning experiences, test out new ideas and receive critical and constructive feedback without getting offended or alienated. Working collaboratively on-line may lead to higher motivation and when students are motivated is less likely that they ‘drop out’ of class. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwIASjSD37M&feature=related Developing Community for Effective Collaboration

4. All the people involved Shared purpose Sharing information, experiences, interests, resources Guidelines Structure of the course, ground rules for participation and interaction Technology or Meeting Places Collaborative Learning Student-to-student interaction Reflection To reinforce and transform the learning Elements of Community Developing Community for Effective Collaboration

5. Why Do People Need to Learn to Work Together? Team work will develop leadership skills in students. Using teamwork in the workplace can help to pull everyone’s strengths together. Consequences for people who don’t pull their weight in the teamwork can be even more severe in the workplace. When you can replicate the real world in your classes you will need less time to get adjusted to the real world. Developing Community for Effective Collaboration

6. Characteristics of Groups That Make Them Work Goals and expectations are clear Definite correlation between learning objectives and finished product Introductions or Icebreakers that put members at ease and allow them to start forming connections and building relationships Variety of activities and teaching methods used to engage different learning styles Flexibility to allow groups to select learning tools that members feel comfortable using and enable group to personalize project Positive, welcoming, safe environment Instructor facilitates group work with guidance and encouragement, treating all students with respect High expectations for group and all group members held accountable Open forum to discuss ideas and thoughts without judgment Developing Community for Effective Collaboration

7. When groups work to complete the task. Performing 4 When groups end the work and disband or regroup for other tasks. Adjourning 5 Stages of Group Development When groups get to know one another. Forming When groups figure out how to work together . Norming 1 2 Problem-solving where there will be disagreement and/or conflict. Differences of opinions bring the opportunity for collaboration, compromise, debate, and other actions that lead to decision making and motivation. Disagreement can help learners develop the problem solving skills and communication skills essential in the 21 st century. Group members consider concepts and ideas from different perspectives. Students learn to express thoughts and feelings appropriately in a formal environment, as will happen in the workplace. Storming 3 Developing Community for Effective Collaboration

8. What Do I Need to Do as an Instructor? Set expectations for all levels of cooperation through rubrics and frequent checks for understanding. Incorporate probing questions for groups and individuals by identifying strengths in each group. Use with expectations, communicate with students and groups for feedback. Develop a platform of mutual trust, shared learning and a common goal. Developing Community for Effective Collaboration Communicate with students en masse and individually; compare and contrast within the different groups. Set the Stage Model the Process Create the Environment

9. Successful Collaboration Demonstrating hospitality, tolerance, constructive suggestions, and feedback equal successful collaboration. Teaching 21 st Century Learners the art of online negotiation and problem solving will bring them into the global community of education, business, and culture. Instructor should encourage group members to get to know each other and to form relationships. Collaboration can be enhanced by encouraging groups to take ownership over their project. Flexibility in the project format guidelines allows group members to choose from a variety of resources, tapping into the group’s diversity and creativity. Instructor should monitor group progress and intervene when necessary to keep group focused and to give group support and encouragement along the way. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Developing Community for Effective Collaboration 1 2 3 4 5 6

10. THANK YOU!