Module 3: Collaboration in the Digital Age

Working together is something that has been in existence for as long as I can remember or have read about. Humans will generally work together to collectively do good or the opposite. We see even in biblical terms that people worked together to build the ark (Noah’s ark). People worked together to ensure the smooth running of things such as the government, schools and in workplaces. In a video I saw this week for class, Rheingold discussed the word collective action what it means and how it has evolved over the years with the help of technology.

Surely human beings are naturally drawn to want to work in groups to solve a problem; be a part of a society and collectively carry out a task or an activity. In some cases you can say this not a true statement hence the selfish winners that think defeat or destroy to win at all cost. However, in modern times Rheingold discussed that the self-interest rationale is not as dominant anymore. This is were collaboration comes in and collaboration in the new age also known as digital age has helped close gaps and bridges over diverse group of individuals or organizations trying to extend their global reach or presence.

As we are aware, constructivist principles are based on progressive learning; hands on, practical and learning as an experience. Various technology tools are available to promote and strengthen collaboration among learners and such tools include skype, internal workplace chats and IM, team room for document sharing, blogs, wikis, videos conferencing, net meetings and even email are some the tools that has and will foster collaboration. Collaboration ensures workplaces maximize their potential and taps into the numerous talents of its people; challenging their ideas and strengthening work relationships amongst learners and even educators. These tools makes it possible to collaborate across the globe in a seamless manner to ensure speed in product or service delivery, quicker problem solving, life long learning, knowledge sharing and most of all close off the barriers we have in communication.

Additional Resources:

“Howard Rheingold: Way-New Collaboration” http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.htmlitional
Learning Through enhanced technology collaboration: http://cordis.europa.eu/ictresults/index.cfm?section=news&tpl=article&ID=88475