Providing 21st Century learning to our classroom is essential for our students. One of the elements that is so crucial to that learning is collaboration. Even though we know the idea of collaboration is crucial for connections and achievements, many teachers today are not incorporating this into their classroom. According to a poll taken by Edutopia, only 14% of the teachers said that their students are ready for the "Collaboration Age". This is definitely a "wicked" problem!
This past year I have seen the benefits as to the effectiveness of collaboration as a teacher and as a learner. I have found many networks that have provided collaboration with other teachers to make instruction meaningful and connected. This in turn, has allowed the opportunity for collaboration with my classroom to other classrooms throughout the world. These collaborations have provided a 21st Century learning experience. Students in my classroom are learning about a week in the life in South Korea by collaborating with students in South Korea.
I plan to address this issue by providing professional development to our elementary staff about the importance of collaborative learning through the use of technology into the classroom. All of our classrooms have already been equipped with tools such as computers and projectors. Incorporating this idea does not require any basic costs or start up fees. However, one simply cannot be asked to do something "just because". The idea of 21st Century learning must be introduced. I plan to "pull" them into the idea of 21st century collaboration by showing them the "why" of collaborative learning- through research and resources, and the "how" through curriculum examples.
Once I have pulled them into the benefits of collaboration, I would share a Livebinder full of resources and tools that would allow for collaborative learning. I understand that it takes time to feel comfortable with the tools. Therefore, my long term goal would be to provide staff development once a month after school focusing on a particular technology tool that would provide the benefits of collaboration. We need to see collaboration as an interconnected tool that is essential for the future. The indicator of success can be provided in the first few minutes of a bi- monthly staff meeting where staff shares their success in the classroom. Sharing the benefits with others is such a powerful motivator! The more we share, the more we are successful as to the integration of collaboration in our classrooms!
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