So what does collaborate mean? It is a word that is bandied around lots in the education and business world. And what about cooperation? Are these 2 the same or is there a difference?
One dictionary defines collaboration as "to work jointly on an activity or project" but another defines the difference between collaboration and cooperation as... "Collaboration is working together to create something new in support of a shared vision. Cooperation is important in networks where individuals exchange relevant information and resources in support of each other's goals, rather than a shared goal."
I love this graphic and the way it shows the interdependence when collaborating.
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| John Spencer |
During today I was thinking about the level of trust that is in the room as we worked on multi-modal texts and creating a site. There was lots of interaction between participants and offers of help as well as showing each other what they were doing.
There were a few people who were probably feeling highly vulnerable when working with sites as this is the first time they have heard of them, let alone worked on one. Congratulations to the brave people who shared their first ever site on the screen. This relates directly to the level of trust that existed in the room and that they felt ok about sharing to everyone.
The shared vision that was expertly conveyed by Dorothy in the morning session empowered participants to dive in and get going on a site. They had the "why" from this morning session and they worked on the "how" during the rest of the day. Visit their blogs to read about their DFI experience.
So were we collaborating - I say yes!
Kia ora Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you started with Collaborate and reflected on this. I think you are right we are empowering these teachers and they are certainly vulnerable as they are in the place of learning.
It will be great to see the way these teachers continue to collaborate in the DFI and beyond.
Ngā mihi,
Maria
Ooh convicting graphic Cheryl! I think if I'm really honest I was probably co-operating but on the fringes of collaboration. Will give me focus for the next session. Enjoyed today very much, see you next week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Josie. I will read with interest as your reflect on the difference and how you move to collaboration.
DeleteCheryl
Great Cheryl, I always thought collaborate had a negative connotation. A collaborator helped the enemy and there was some stigma to be a collaborator. The great thing about education though, is that we can make a word mean whatever we want it to mean!
ReplyDelete