Blackboard Collaborate for all!

Online shared space has become a must as students work together to demonstrate knowledge gained. One of the higher level of Bloom's Taxonomy includes verbs such as Reteach and also Recreate. For many who are being educated through online courses, one of the biggest advantages would have to be shared space to collaborate. It gives one the opportunity to learn from others and also communicate with someone who may have an entirely different culture and perspective. Shared collaboration spaces work well for for project based learning. It also plays right into active knowledge. In order for one to collaborate they must be participants of demonstrating learning, not simply consumers.

In one of my courses here at the University, the teacher often uses the Blackboard program to place students into small groups where they can further discuss ideas,share screens and give each other feedback. E-learning ecologies have the possibility to open so many doors for learning that is collaborative but also autonomous.

As in any situation, the student is able to disengage. In this situation, the facilitator of learning (who doesn't have to be the teacher), can monitor student progress and even nudge students in the right direction. The level of involvement the teachers pursues depends on how much she feels the students need help. A greater function of PBL (project based learning) is problem solving. Students can go back into Shared/Collaboration spaces online and review their process; possibly taking note of what went well and what could be improved. Being reflective during the learning process, creates better learners.

The shared learning/digital collaboration can also be effective for students who are not enrolled in an online course. Adding the element would truly ramp up student engagement, participation and level of questioning and thinking. Why aren't all schools using Digital Shared Learning spaces?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCe1n4YmT4c