Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold (2008) proposed ?
After listening to Rheingold’s lecture I’ve decided that humans will work together whether it is for profit or not. For instance, Rheingold discussed that many people collaborate on a voluntary basis in order to input data on free informational websites such as Wikipedia. (2008). On the reverse, others will become enrolled in a project if there is profit involved.
I personally believe that whether there is a financial gain or just the feeling you get from working with other I considered both to be a gain, therefore humans interact and work as groups, for a price. Some people like working with others and some people don’t. My sister likes to work alone. I on the hand enjoy being around people and working with others. I like to bounce ideas off of other people to see what new ideas I can come up with. Conflicts and collaboration with others help me to find new ways to form relationships and see, in myself, what personality traits are accepted, refused, and what needs work.
How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
With learners, technology is ever-changing and can facilitate collaboration. Dewey (1997) describers learning as what occurs through a person’s experience. Learning activities such as simulations, cooperative group work, and open-ended problems are examples of constructivist learning experiences (Driscoll, 2005).
Dewey, J. (1997). Experience & education. New York: Kappa Delta Pi.
Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction. Boston: Pearson.
Web video. (2008). Howard Rheingold: Way-New Collaboration. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
Quatrissia,
ReplyDeleteLike you and your sister, I have alluded to the difference in learners as extroverts or introverts, or interpersonal vs. intrapersonal learning styles as in multiple intelligences. To what do you attribute the differences as you noted between yourself and your sister? Can both participate fully in constructivist learning, do you think?
I would say that we all can learn, and should learn manners of working together. Even those who do not find it comfortable, or natural, or don't feel energized from collaborative constructivism (http://orenmusings.wordpress.com/2010/10/14/working-interactively-or-independently/) can fully participate in these types of activities; they just don't find them "instinctive."
I think our behavior is learned to some extent. I'm the oldest and I have always taken care of my sister. When we were younger I did all of the talking for her. I even find myself talking for her it now. I think I was made to take on responsibility and speak up. On the other hand she was allowed to be the baby.
ReplyDeleteYes, we can both participate in constructivist learning. I'll just be the one doing all of the talking. She'll listen and help to pull the work load, however she will not be the one to keep things going.
I think we can all be taught how to work together.
I like your economic take on collaboration and I do think that you are right. Some people are willing to collaborate if there is a benefit to it but I'm not sure that all will collaborate even when there is a reward.
ReplyDeleteThe impression I had after listening to Rheingold video was that people would collaborate on project mainly because they can reach their common goals. Thank you for pointing out that other people would also collaborate even if they have no interest in the end.
ReplyDelete