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Thinking Thinking Outside Outside
the Inboxthe InboxCollaboration Using Collaboration Using
WikispacesWikispacesElfy HorneElfy Horne
Jenelle Wingfield-SmithJenelle Wingfield-Smith
Collaboration 1 : to work jointly with others or together
especially in an intellectual endeavor
Collaboration is working with another or receiving assistance from someone to complete coursework.
Collaborating can be with a classmate, friend, parent co-worker, in person or by electronic media.
Can be simple Two teachers informally discussing a
student’s progress and potential projects “Hey that was a great project you did, can I
borrow the handout?” Can be complex
Long-term, regularly scheduled meetings Comprehensive inter-disciplinary
assignments and/or projects Complete overhaul to curricula
Collaboration:Collaboration:What is It?What is It?
Allows teachers to: Strengthen professional practices and
deepen understanding of teaching Review and revitalize one’s own
professional goals Maintain an ongoing support system and
network Develop communication skills Experience supportive professional
relationships and positive reflective practice
Teacher Collaboration is only successful if it is based on the principles of: Mutual respect, Noncompetitive behavior, and Supportive professional relationships
Conventional Peer Monitoring/Coaching: lifeline for a
teacher new to the education field or to a new grade level or content area.
Collaborative Workshops: presenter acts as a facilitator to encourage groups to share their expertise regarding the topic(s) at hand.
Technology Aided Email contact: Educators can connect with
peers from around the world. Web Mentors: When a mentoring or
coaching program in place, that instructor can turn to the internet to find an individual who is willing and able to give assistance.
Blogs and Wikispaces: allows educators to join preplanned discussions or lead chat groups, and collaborate with peers outside the office.
What is a wikispace? The simplest collaborative content
management system A website where users can add, remove,
and edit every page using a web browser
Good for writing down quick ideas or longer ones.
Instantly collaborative without emailing documents, keeping the group in sync.
Accessible from anywhere with a web connection.
Easy archive, every page revision is saved.
http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Teacher_Collaboration
http://webtrends.about.com/od/wiki/a/what_is_a_wiki.htm
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2006/07/07/what-is-a-wiki.html?page=1
http://www.wikispaces.com/ Morgan, B., Smith, R.D.. (2008). A wiki for
classroom writing . The Reading Teacher, 62(1) , 80-82.
