Week 2- Collaboration

Collaboration can be defined in many ways, but P21 defines collaboration as follows:

Demonstrate ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse teams
Exercise flexibility and willingness to be helpful in making necessary compromises to accomplish a common goal
Assume shared responsibility for collaborative work, and value the individual contributions made by each team member

NWEA's Preparing 21st Century Students for a Global Society: An Educator’s Guide to the “Four Cs”

Resources

What is it: Padlet is essentially an online cork-board with additional features that allow for students to post in an organized fashion that can be moderated
Example: Here's a great example from our own Jodi Weber getting feedback on the ACT Prep Program
How: Click here for Padlet's knowledge base which includes getting started guides
Why: Many times collaboration is seen only as a small group but students also need to know how to work in a large, diverse group. Padlet allows the whole class to work together but still provides the teacher some control to help keep the students on track
Bonus: Here are 30 ways to Padlet in the classroom and here are new features they've added recently

What is it: Trello is a visual collaboration tool that allows them to assign and check off tasks keeping everyone organized
Example: Here's an example of a Genius Hour Planning Board
How: Click here for the Trello help section
Why: A large part of collaboration is the ability to organize. Many of our students lack this important skill and need positive examples of how to do so. Trello scaffolds that process by providing a clear visual for students and having the ability to assign each one tasks.
Bonus: What to see more ideas for using Trello in Education? Click here

What is it: Google Sites is a free website generator that integrates with all things Google where you can customize themes and sharing.
Example: Click here to see an amazing site done by a 6th grader about building and installing a pond leveler in the Beaver Dam Pond
How: Click here for how to get started with Google Sites
Why: Collaborating works seamlessly with Google Sites- students can work on all different components like videos, slideshows, documents, etc. then combine them together to one beautifully polished site!
Bonus: Click here for "NEW Google Sites: 10 things teachers must know"

What is it: Lucidchart is an online diagram creator that was built for collaboration
Example: Click here for examples
How: Click here for the help section Make sure you sign in with your Google account to get a free upgrade to Pro!
Why: Diagrams and flowcharts are an excellent way to convey an idea or process. Have students work together and create a great diagram!
Bonus: Check out the sister site LucidPress

Use Padlet to have students (or staff!) work collaboratively
Have students use Google Docs to write and edit together. Have one doc for everyone to work on so they can share with other groups too!
Use a Google Form to collect data then share the spreadsheet so all students can use it or use a Google Form to collect peer feedback and share student's individual feedback with them
Use Trello to create collaborative boards for tracking students or other ideas
Have students work together to create a Google Site (directions example) for a group project
Have students do Flashcard Factory through Pear Deck to make study guides for the whole class