Rheingold (2008) stated that collaboration spreads across disciplines. It requires cooperation, action, and interactivities. As agriculture advanced, cities were built, and leaders kept count of taxes by making marks in clay. The alphabet was created but the elite administrators were the only ones allowed to use it. Then, according to Rheingold (2008), the printing press caused spread of collaboration and the alphabet was no longer just for the elite. He went on to say that soon there will be people walking around with super-fast computers. The sheer fast progression of this across the decades show that what Rheingold said was right on point, people have a need for interaction. I also think this is part due to the want human beings have for a need to be recognized for some contribution to the world. I don’t feel that anyone wants to think that life for them is just what there is on earth between birth and death. Whether, as I do, you believe in God or not, there is still a need to know that you “carry on” after death. Even as a proclaimed atheist, Susan B. Anthony, made her mark on the world. Why? I think she wanted to “live on in history” after her death. According to Wikipedia, Susan B. Antony (2009) was once noted as saying in regards to a family about to have their seventh child, “What a dreadful creature their God must be to keep sending hungry mouths while he withholds the bread to fill them!” It is notable to say that Susan’s niece disputes the claim that her aunt was indeed an atheist. There is always going to be more collaboration on the ideas in Wikipedia for just that reason, people have an instinct, not only to interact, but to disagree as well as continue their life after death.
With the advancements in technology, collaboration among learners is at an all-time high. Technological advances will not stop; therefore, this collaboration will be better and greater daily. The constructionist principle of a community of learners through communication is at its highest peak ever and is reaching higher.
Susan B. Anthony. In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_B._Anthony
Rheingold, H. (2008). Talks Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video podcast]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/
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This story brings home the idea that collaboration will make or break an online environment. Your statement that the,"constructionist principle of a community of learners through communication is at its highest peak ever," exemplifies the sense of belonging that people need and will continue to need.
ReplyDeleteIntresting Post! I especially like your analogy with Susan B. Anthony and how her work may have been constructed to carry on in her stead long after her life had ended.
ReplyDeleteThat would a curious thing to fathom if we actually started our learning and collaboration activities to serve an enduring status beyond our time. That brings with it a sense of caution as well. Depending on the person or group, it could prove beneficial or it could work against the next group, because of the restrictions.
DJH
I am glad you mentioned collaboration offline, because it seems that many connect collaboration with the online environment only. I think that rise in online collaboration can also lead to increased collaboration in classrooms, board rooms, and small face to face group situations.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post, Deb! I really liked your connection with Susan B. Anthony. It speaks to the truth that regardless of who we are, we all want to leave a legacy. This is only possible through the connections we make with other people...online or in person.
ReplyDeleteNice job!