Class Meeting 03/30/09

Our meeting this week we discussed the difference between Cooperative Learning and Collabartive Learning. In my opinion Cooperative Learning is more based on what students knew previously and working together to reach a desired outcome. How they get there is completely up to them, yet everyone is to be accountable for some part of the project. In Collaborative learning, the groups are more structured. The way the group reaches the desired outcome is outline for them and they may divide up different parts. One common threat amongst them is accountability and social interaction. Student's are accountable to the group for their work and they must work together in socially acceptable ways, respecting each other and others opinions.

I really like the voice thread tool we learned about tonight. It is an interesting way to learn about a subject and to give immediate feedback about a subject while it is fresh in your head. Our group had to come up with a accornym for collaberative learning. we came up with:
s - Sturctured Socilization
H - Honor System
A - Accountability
R - Respect
E - Everyone
We felt that this was appropriate because the socilization will be more structured here. Everyone is on the honor system to do their work and fullfill their responsibilities. Also, students must hold each other accountable for learning and getting the required work done. And finally we must respect each other and everyone is to be involved.

The group presentation tonight was great. Their power point was well done and looked good. I enjoyed the video it gave some great ideas on why students should blog. My only opinion was that it was a little bit of the death by power point side. However, still I thought it was well done. I personally think that blogging is important for students. It allows students to reflect on their work and to interact with each in a new and unique way. Students need to become more familiar with different types of technology and what technology has to offer. They need to learn what is socially acceptable on the internet as well, as in person. Technology is slowly overtaking pen and paper. Sometime in the future students will be doing all their reflections on line.