Task 2. Exploring Communication and Collaboration Tools

Have you noticed that the 4C skills also serve as a framework for the EDIT2000E course? Among the 4Cs, our primary focus in Unit 3 is communication and collaboration. Critical thinking is an important concept throughout all of our units, and we'll focus on creativity and innovation in Unit 4. 

Now that you've had some background information on the 4Cs, let's look at some tools that can help support communication and collaboration in the classroom. Yes, it's time to explore new tools again!

Part 1. Recreate!

1. Think. Reflect on your learning experience in previous semesters. Have you ever encountered any instances where there was a lack of communication or collaboration? If so, how did it occur, and why?

2. Explore. Read the overview of all sections. Then, skim through the communication and collaboration tools listed in each section. Visit at least 3 websites of tools that you haven't used before.

   1. 1. • Audience Response and Backchannels p. 73

         • Blogging and Website Building p. 76

         • Collaboration and Project Management p. 92

         • Feedback p. 121

         • Global Learning p. 142

         • Infographics p. 157

         • Interactive Posters p. 163

         • Podcasting p. 217

         • Speaking and Discussion p.261

         • Writing p. 307

** I encourage you to google " (name of the tool) alternatives"  if you come across an interesting tool in the textbook! This search query will show you numerous alternatives that are similar or sometimes even better!

3. Recreate. After you've become familiar with the tools in the 10 sections listed above, think about a project you had at UGA. How might that project have been different if you used one of the 10 types of tools you've just explored? How might the tools improved communication or collaboration in your previous learning experiences? Select 1 of your previous projects, assignments, or learning materials. You'll recreate it with 1 or 2 tools you discovered.
   
   Provide a demonstration of what the finished product might look like. The main requirements are that 1) you try something NEW to you, not what you're already familiar with, and  2) you demonstrate how using the tool(s) will enhance communication and/or collaboration of your previous learning material. For instance, you could: 

   1. 1. • Design a ThingLink to label some diagrams and share it to the collaboration app.

         • Create an interactive poster and insert it into an educational blog post.

         • Recreate your previous presentation through one of the communication tools - create a Sway (presentation tool) about a topic from a spring semester class. 

Part 2. Explain your artifact

1. Once you've created your example, add a link or a screenshot (or whichever is most appropriate for the tool you selected) under the title 'Task 2. Exploring Communication and Collaboration Tools.'

3. 1. 1. • Write 1-2 paragraphs describing 1) what you created and 2) why the tool(s) could enhance communication/collaboration better than the original method. 

         • Make sure to include the name of the tool you selected and a link to the official website.
           
           

2. IMPORTANT! Publish your page and double-check your portfolio link with the incognito browser to see if all resources are set to public view. 

3. 1. 1. • If you included a link, please click it and check if anyone with the link can access your artifact. 

Part 3: Share with your peers 

1. Now, let's share the tool you explored with our classmates! Copy the link, screenshot, etc. that you have posted on your portfolio and paste it to the shared Padlet wall. 

   • • Class A Padlet [Link]

     • Class B Padlet [Link]

2. Use the format "first name_last name" as the post title (e.g., Jinny_Hwang).

3. Add thoughtful comments to at least 2 of your classmates. Remember to include your name in your comment to receive scores for this task.

   • • Please show in your comment that you have thoroughly looked at the classmate's work. A simple "Good job!" will not be so meaningful, right?

     • A friendly reminder: Interacting actively with your peers counts for a participation score (5% of the total grade).