Topic 3: When real life collaborative learning took place.

In the past 2 weeks of trying to unpack the topic of Online Collaborative learning in our communities, it became evident that there is a distinct difference between cooperative and collaborative learning. According to Laal et al (2012) some of the difference between cooperative and collaborative learning is that the teacher involvement and guiding is larger in cooperative whereas the students take a more active part in collaborative learning.

Collaborative learning requires more student opinion and perspective and use of online collaborative tools than of a teacher/lecturer face to face teaching. Many of our communities have become comfortable with old traditional teaching methods, that they steer away from changing that spectrum and explore with new and improved teaching and learning Pedagogy. However, technology, innovation and job requirements have been demanding to change our old ways and jump into the latest Global trends. For many academic institutions blended learning is becoming a staple to improve teaching strategies.

For the purpose of this reflection, I will be reflecting on my real life collaborative experiences during the COVID 19 Lockdown. My experience with Online Collaborative learning has rather been a little challenging with regards to exploring digital tools, communication and building trust within the group. Indeed, these are trying times for many countries as we all had to adjust to the safety demands of the Corona outbreak. At some point it became overwhelming for me as I had to adjust to working from home and be able to strike a balance between various groups of students to whom I run workshops for and still be able to participate in the ONL course. Not only did i have to maintain a balance but also explore with various digital tools to ensure effective and efficient learning across all groups. Another challenge that I came across was building trust within the groups because it is no secret that this Online collaborative learning is new to most of us and therefore many of the students have doubt and no trust in the process, but it became my priority that I instill trust before we continue with any workshops/learning as this would help decrease unnecessary absenteeism and miscommunication which would lead to failure to meet the desired goals. 

With all that is said above, Online Collaboration is an effect way to encourage participation and collaboration among learners and achieve the desired goals.