Module 3 On line Collaborative Learning

Rheingold, (2005) discussed that humans have a long history of collaboration going back to such as hunters and gatherers in groups to the creation of the alphabet. This grew the abilities to communicate in groups which grew with the invention of the printing press. Certainly this evolving of technology for communication opened opportunities to get into groups and collaborate. Rheingold argued that it is a human instinct to collaborate. I am not entirely convinced it is based on instinct rather than human need, greed, passions, interests, opportunities, or other. Rheingold (2005) discussed that new technological innovations have thrived and provided humans endless opportunities to network socially and professionally. In addition, we can now connect with others all over the world and work with them to solve problems using the Internet. I can definitely agree that the internet and all of the communication devices provide an unprecedented opportunity for humans to communicate and collaborate and can facilitate learner collaboration. Today, learners can access information and social gathering points on the internet within seconds. Learners have technology available to communicate with individuals and groups through email, voiced, video, text messages, chat, and more. Technology provides the tools and resources learners need to collaborate and problem solve with others. Proof is in this course alone. We have designed individual blogs, posted, and commented to each other each week. We have used the internet to search resources, watch videos, work in Google docs, and more. We have worked in small groups with others all over the country with ease and success using technology such as Skype, cell phones, Google clouds, and more. Communication and collaboration can be instant and both synchronous and asynchronous forms of communication can occur with technology. In the end, technology hands us the tools to communicate and collaborate. It is up to us to access these resources to work with others. Sandy Rheingold, H. (2005). “Howard Rheingold: Way-New Collaboration” Retrieved on July 6, 2010 from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html