Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?
There is no doubt that humans were created to "interact and work as a group". From the dawn of time, there were collaborations. The pyramids would be impossible if people did not work together. Wikipedia is a prime example of the collaboration efforts of people from all walks of life to create a valuable education tool. Problems with the "wiki" tool is that there is no true way to verify the validity of the information.
How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
Technology allows for virtually immediate collaboration among learners. The merging of documents and files through Google is one example. Skype transfer of files also allows people to construct knowledge together with each individual contributing to the pool of information. Use of technology allows learners the ease of working together without schedules and other commitments as a barrier.
I found a video with Chris Dede and the 2008 National teacher of the year related to collaboration in science and how working in teams promotes achievement as well as the importance of adults being models in collaboration.
Find a current research study that has been conducted in the last 5 years that supports collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.
I found a study on the incorporation of "ProScopes" which is a form of microscope connected to a computer that allows students to work together and create digital lab reports. These microscopes were used in low SES areas to improve student inquiry and achievement. As the students worked together to construct their lab reports, they learned more about the once difficult concept. ProScopes was the tool that created a successful learning environment where students were allowed to work together and construct knowledge as well as become successful.
http://www.citejournal.org/vol7/iss4/science/article1.cfm
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