Cartoon Contexts

Using social networking to improve collaboration in Learning Circles around Action Research

Chris Faulkner, Erin Berg and Brooke Spencer

DESIGNING LEARNING CIRCLES: Return to Opening the Circles

Cartoon Context Introduction

Throughout the learning technologies program, we are arranged in several different Learning Circles (LC) for our Action Research Projects. Each time we are rearranged in new LCs, we must get to know each other's fields of action to understand more about our Action Research Projects. As we switch learning circles, we noticed that sometimes introduction do not get enough attention. It is difficult to become invested in the new action research projects quickly. Therefore, we brainstormed an activity to enhance LCs by introducing our fields of action in an enjoyable and entertaining way.

Target audience:

Anyone with a need to collaborate online in Learning Circles (online students, professionals working in teams, teachers)

Goal:

Students will develop and/or improve trusting relationships as a foundation for effective collaboration by examining others' fields of action. The student should understand that trust is essential in effective collaborative learning relationships.

Essential Questions:

- How are our professional lives similar/different?
- How would that affect our relationships as we plan our action research?
- How can we use what we know about each others' field of action to improve communication and collaboration?

Key knowledge and Skills

The ability to communicate through social networking tools
The skill of self-reflection
Building online trust with circle members

Resources:

Directions for this Activity

1. Each circle member creates a comic strip using free tools (ComicLife/Canva Comic-Strips/Pixton Edu). The comic strip will depict a snapshot of one's field of action (for your Action Research Project). Only pictures (no text) will be included in your version of the comic (Text will come later).

2. Meeting in Action Research Learning Circles via Skype or Zoom, share your comic strip with the group and talk about your field of action. Describe in depth your field of action and how your action research relates to it. You may want to discuss the forces that affect your field of action and other people involved. These items should all be represented in your comic strip. Then, LC members will trade their comics within their learning circle and allow another member to add text to their comic according to the conversation from the meeting. Remember, we are building trust and communication skills within our LCs (virtual teams).

3. Circle members upload/embed final comic in a shared space (google site)

4. Circle members will then respond to the essential questions in online threaded discussions.

Essential Questions:

- How are our professional lives similar/different?
- How would that affect our relationships as we plan our action research?
- How can we use what we know about each others' field of action to improve communication and collaboration?

Examples of Comics without words

Example of a Comic Without and then With Words

Example of a Photo Strip Comic and Brief Reflection

Here is a screenshot of my comic. It depicts my classroom, my desk, my duck wall, and my kids using technology, my kids during ag week my kids out at the creek and my kids being silly. I chose these things because they are all a part of my field of action and it shows many of the forces that may have an effect on my action research. It will be great to discuss my field of action with my circle mates and for them to see some of the pressures that I will be dealing with.

DESIGNING LEARNING CIRCLES: Return to Opening the Circles

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