Collective intelligence occurs when we learn and arrive at conclusions together, with multiple minds working to make sense of things. Honestly, our survival has been possible because of collective learning. Collaboration offers numerous benefits and makes our lives easier. For example, someone grows food for us, and we simply buy it. Sometimes, someone else cooks for us, and we eat; in return, we may sweep or clean the house. At the workplace, we handle one part of the work while others manage different parts, and that's how we accomplish our tasks and meet our needs. Not all of us can know or be good at everything, which is why collaboration is so important. We also learn better when we are with others, as relationships act as a catalyst for effective learning and work.

Quoting a paragraph from a research paper I read: “A research published by [11] indicates that there is evidence that students can be autonomous in their learning and also participate collaboratively. Research carried out by [12] reported a pilot study to evaluate the Wiki collaborative tool and investigate whether this could be used as a learning tool in schools. The results suggested that the use of this tool can enhance learning and encourage collaborative learning skills. Another study by [13] applied a methodology to examine the benefits and challenges of contributing to a wiki; this study was conducted in Language and Literature classes. The results of this research indicate that Wiki contributions have promoted collaborative processes among students by creating shared knowledge and strengthening the collective knowledge of the group. Additionally, [17] presented a framework on collective intelligence in education.”

However, in schools, individualism is often prioritized over collaboration. I believe that much more can be learned than intended through this type of learning. Collaboration is one of the 21st-century skills needed to solve the issues we humans are currently facing or are likely to face in the future.

Resources:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325650291_Collective_Intelligence_Education_Enhancing_the_Collaborative_Learning

Picture credit: https://www.iitms.co.in/blog/what-is-collaborative-learning.html