Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Connected Classroom
April 7-9, 2002
The Art of Designing Collaborative Activities
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By: Kathleen Bennett |
Abstract
This workshop will give participants direct experience in designing effective collaborative activities. Collaborative activities in a networked world re-define the roles of instructor and learner. Well-designed activities bring out the best of an instructor's skills in designing the learning experience and challenge students to assume increased responsibility for their learning. First, we will provide an overview of key issues in collaborative learning. Next, participants will engage in a structured learning activity in triads and then, using that experience, they will work in teams of two to design an activity within their discipline.
Description
Designing effective collaborative activities is a skill that can be taught and one that can be adapted for every discipline. This workshop will begin with an examination of the critical questions about collaborative learning such as how to decide which course activities would benefit from a group exercise; how to group the students; how to prepare students for this experience; and how to assess individual and group performance. The 21st century workplace emphasizes team work , critical thinking, and problem-solving. Therefore, an authentic collaborative project should be structured so that students experience real-world problem-solving.
Participants will be assigned a project that requires sharing tasks and negotiating meaning. They will create an end product, following clear guidelines and working from a simple rubric. They will be assigned specific roles within their groups, and will complete an individual and group assessment at the end.
In the second hour, participants will deconstruct their experience and use that information to sketch out a collaborative learning experience for their own students, based on the principles demonstrated in the first hour. From the first email announcing the project to the creative names for individual roles, participants will experiment with designing activities that build upon effective instructional design principles. Finally, participants will be given a variety of assessment options for discussion.
Throughout the workshop, we will emphasize how readily available technology tools can facilitate creating a community of learners, working toward a common goal. Email can become a first step in familiarizing students with online collaboration by assigning pairs of students to begin research on a topic. Next, most course management systems such as Blackboard and WebCT have excellent discussion forums and the ability to create group discussion forums where students can interact privately as they develop the project. In addition, free discussion forum tools exist.
Examples of successful collaborative exercises from several disciplines will be shared. Participants will receive handouts including tips for successful project design and sample forms for assessment. A supporting website will be created for them as well.