Session+7


 * Session 7.1 "Collaboration"**


 * 1) What is collaboration?
 * 2) What are 3 ways in which students collaborate in your classroom and are they successful?

Collaboration is working together to successfully complete a task. Each participant's skills, talents, input and energy are recognized and compiled into the endeavor. It is the epitome of true teamwork.

Students collaborate in my classroom in many different ways. Quarterly projects are often the work of pairs or small groups in which all participants contribute in their own way. Group preparation and studying for exams is another form of collaboration. Working collectively as an entire class to analyze, evaluate and discuss course material or a specific in-class assignment is another way. Generation Citizen projects this past year were great collaborative successes. For the most part, most students enjoy the collaborative undertakings and like the results. No doubt, there are some students who would rather work independently all the time.. Bringing them into the collaborative work is one of my greatest challenges.


 * Session 7.2 "Video Response"**


 * 1) How can expanded use of technology help develop depth and breadth for our students?
 * 2) What is the difference between cooperation and collaboration?
 * 3) What are the challenges in getting students to collaborate rather than just cooperating?

Technology is a tool by which students can delve into topics and research in an almost limitless way. It can tap into their creative juices and allow them to express and interpret in an expansive style not afforded previous generations. Technology's time-condensing abilities allows for more time to delve deeper and wider into researching, examining, presenting and creating. Students have the "world's library" (Internet) at their fingertips and can connect with students from around the world in seconds. This expansive technology should enhance their capabilities while at the same time increase the expectations for more quality work.

Nelson's comments about the difference between cooperation and collaboration are illuminating and on target. Cooperation is working together in a connecting fashion where you link things together to accomplish a task or project. Given time and resources a cooperative undertaking could be done in a linear manner by isolated participants. Collaboration runs deeper. Collaboration is the bringing together of people to listen, to help and TO ENHANCE. There is no judging or disregarding others' thoughts or ideas..Collaboration is built on the AMPLIFICATION of others - making your partners look good is a result.

One of the biggest challenges in teaching students (especially 8th graders) is to get them to think of a "team" approach and result not just what is in it for me. Students can work together but getting them to a mentality where you want to make others look good is difficult for young teenagers. Having them recognize others talents and abilities ( unlike their own) can be very beneficial in a team task is also a challenge.

Session 7.3 "Voicethread Definition" Voicethread is a tool to bring others into a discussion via various audio platforms to comment, share and discuss a visual piece in front of them. My initial impression is that it may a bit too much with too many voices and just a stilled photo, print or even film in front of them...Too many particpants could be difficult to keep track of at times...I feel it is a boring version of a video conference ( which I value). It does encourage participation but I would rather have a well-done documentary with a few significant voices.

Session 7.4 "Immigration Voicethread"

Voicethread does have that important collaborative element. Students feed off each other and are able to respond especially when taking both sides of an argument as in this Arizona immigration video. It allows students to listen to how they sound and can assist in developing better speaking skills. I believe that photos rather than symbols should be used so other students or listeners can see who is speaking. I just believe that a strong class discussion can be just as beneficial and probably more so. Although our students are "sound" people with ipods, music and other technology I feel that sound without visual is not a perfect blend of formats.

Session 7.5 Voicethread Exercise http://voicethread.com/share/1258644/

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Session 7.5 "Voicethread in the Classroom" The voicethread is an interesting technological device. As I stated earlier, it allows students to express themselves verbally and allows the class to critique their speaking style....always a good thing. It is certainly a collaborative activity and can include students who excel in audio, visual and creative learning styles...However, I prefer direct discussions with students feeding off of each other in person. I feel it could be used as an introductory tool to a topic but feel that it is too cumbersome for my 8th graders and would have strong tendencies to get off track in following discussions, "who is talking now" and too many voices with no visual responses...I would use it on a limited basis at best.