Introduction
Wow, the Best Online Collaboration Tools 2012 is a huge resource! I had no idea there were so many programs for online collaborating. I tend to use Google for most of my online collaboration, although I have used Wikispaces and Dropbox as well as FTP.
In regards to education, I have used cloud tools for tracking grades, storing lessons, handing out lessons and collecting assignments and online portfolio commenting/feedback with classmates via Blogster. In my PSI practicum, the school had a network where my fifth grade students would get assignments and submit their projects to a shared class file which could be accessed from any computer in the school network. This made distributing and collecting projects very time-effective while providing students with real-world experience with the concept and skills of using a network. In PSII I used Google Drive to track assessments in Spreadsheet and share that file with my Teacher Associate as well as store and share my lesson plans. It was very handy for me and my TA as we did not have to waste paper and money printing all the time and could gain access to the information at anytime from anywhere.
Google Privacy
I had not considered my cloud storage coming from the USA and that they do have access to all online files stored in Google! Implications for the classroom could be information not being that private, however, if there are not illegal acts taking place, then I do not think that it poses an issue. I think that everything online can be tracked or traced with today’s governments and technology, not just Google related documents.
Wow, the Best Online Collaboration Tools 2012 is a huge resource! I had no idea there were so many programs for online collaborating. I tend to use Google for most of my online collaboration, although I have used Wikispaces and Dropbox as well as FTP.
In regards to education, I have used cloud tools for tracking grades, storing lessons, handing out lessons and collecting assignments and online portfolio commenting/feedback with classmates via Blogster. In my PSI practicum, the school had a network where my fifth grade students would get assignments and submit their projects to a shared class file which could be accessed from any computer in the school network. This made distributing and collecting projects very time-effective while providing students with real-world experience with the concept and skills of using a network. In PSII I used Google Drive to track assessments in Spreadsheet and share that file with my Teacher Associate as well as store and share my lesson plans. It was very handy for me and my TA as we did not have to waste paper and money printing all the time and could gain access to the information at anytime from anywhere.
Google Privacy
I had not considered my cloud storage coming from the USA and that they do have access to all online files stored in Google! Implications for the classroom could be information not being that private, however, if there are not illegal acts taking place, then I do not think that it poses an issue. I think that everything online can be tracked or traced with today’s governments and technology, not just Google related documents.
Google Hangout
As mentioned in previous posts, I use Hangout to keep in touch with family and friends. As for educational purposes, I could see students using Hangout for a variety of purposes. From collaborating between different art classes to working on projects together outside of school time to meeting with current artists. There are risks, from cyber-bullying to technology errors, however with the proper implementation of Hangout, these items can be addressed through referencing Digital Citizenship and finding alternative programs to Hangout. Privacy concerns would be if students are joining random Hangout sessions. I think it would be important, if I plan to implement Hangout in the classroom, that parents/guardians are aware of the addition of this Internet tool and perhaps provide parents with a Hangout Introductory Session with me, so that they can try it out and experience the tools that their students are using. This could even be used for parents/guardians that are unable to make it to conferences. Here is an article from TeachThought that lists a variety of ways to integrate Google + in education: http://www.teachthought.com/technology/10-ways-to-get-started-using-google-in-your-classroom/ I think that Hangouts are appropriate at any age level as long as measures are taken to minimize the risks and policies in place for Internet use.
Backchannels
Formative assessment is key to guiding instruction that is learner centred. The idea of using backchannels to do this is awesome! I specifically like the idea of using it as a question/answer platform. I have been in those classes where one student tries to dominate every discussion and as a person who ponders and takes time to gather my thoughts and also likes to consider that others might want an opportunity to speak, I think that backchannels can be a great way to post and answer questions from everyone, no matter their response speed. I also like the idea of using backchannels during small group activities - that way a larger class overview is taking place at the same time. Using Twitter to take in questions and even encouraging students to retweet questions that they also have, would categorize the questions nicely and still enable replies to every question. It also allows for peers to respond to questions as well as the instructor. It would be a great resource for the instructor to review before the next class to ensure that all questions were answered and have a better idea of where the students were at in their understanding and therefore a jumping off point for the next class. I can see how backchannels could be distracting, however, I think if it is the right situation with the right group of students, then it could be a useful tool.
Conclusion
Collaboration is an important skill in our society. Internet tools provide us with many opportunities and platforms to collaborate across great distances and time zones. As an artist and designer, collaboration is key to creating a piece or project that has been pushed and transformed beyond original expectations. I plan to use collaboration tools in my future classes and with future colleagues and look forward to the amazing experiences and projects that collaboration tools can make possible!
Further Research/Resources
Marqueed: http://www.marqueed.com/
- collaborative photo discussion platform
Storybird: http://storybird.com/
- collaboration of creating stories based on art/illustrations
Drawing: http://www.webdistortion.com/2011/01/22/best-online-collaborative-drawing-tools/
- list of collaborative drawing tools
As mentioned in previous posts, I use Hangout to keep in touch with family and friends. As for educational purposes, I could see students using Hangout for a variety of purposes. From collaborating between different art classes to working on projects together outside of school time to meeting with current artists. There are risks, from cyber-bullying to technology errors, however with the proper implementation of Hangout, these items can be addressed through referencing Digital Citizenship and finding alternative programs to Hangout. Privacy concerns would be if students are joining random Hangout sessions. I think it would be important, if I plan to implement Hangout in the classroom, that parents/guardians are aware of the addition of this Internet tool and perhaps provide parents with a Hangout Introductory Session with me, so that they can try it out and experience the tools that their students are using. This could even be used for parents/guardians that are unable to make it to conferences. Here is an article from TeachThought that lists a variety of ways to integrate Google + in education: http://www.teachthought.com/technology/10-ways-to-get-started-using-google-in-your-classroom/ I think that Hangouts are appropriate at any age level as long as measures are taken to minimize the risks and policies in place for Internet use.
Backchannels
Formative assessment is key to guiding instruction that is learner centred. The idea of using backchannels to do this is awesome! I specifically like the idea of using it as a question/answer platform. I have been in those classes where one student tries to dominate every discussion and as a person who ponders and takes time to gather my thoughts and also likes to consider that others might want an opportunity to speak, I think that backchannels can be a great way to post and answer questions from everyone, no matter their response speed. I also like the idea of using backchannels during small group activities - that way a larger class overview is taking place at the same time. Using Twitter to take in questions and even encouraging students to retweet questions that they also have, would categorize the questions nicely and still enable replies to every question. It also allows for peers to respond to questions as well as the instructor. It would be a great resource for the instructor to review before the next class to ensure that all questions were answered and have a better idea of where the students were at in their understanding and therefore a jumping off point for the next class. I can see how backchannels could be distracting, however, I think if it is the right situation with the right group of students, then it could be a useful tool.
Conclusion
Collaboration is an important skill in our society. Internet tools provide us with many opportunities and platforms to collaborate across great distances and time zones. As an artist and designer, collaboration is key to creating a piece or project that has been pushed and transformed beyond original expectations. I plan to use collaboration tools in my future classes and with future colleagues and look forward to the amazing experiences and projects that collaboration tools can make possible!
Further Research/Resources
Marqueed: http://www.marqueed.com/
- collaborative photo discussion platform
Storybird: http://storybird.com/
- collaboration of creating stories based on art/illustrations
Drawing: http://www.webdistortion.com/2011/01/22/best-online-collaborative-drawing-tools/
- list of collaborative drawing tools
My Comments
Jenessa's Online Journal: http://je-journal.weebly.com/1/post/2013/07/topic-7-collaboration.html
Dan's Online Journal: http://danuedportfolio.weebly.com/2/post/2013/07/collaboration-cloud-computing.html
Jenessa's Online Journal: http://je-journal.weebly.com/1/post/2013/07/topic-7-collaboration.html
Dan's Online Journal: http://danuedportfolio.weebly.com/2/post/2013/07/collaboration-cloud-computing.html