GROUP TOPIC DISCUSSION 2: 11TH SEPTEMBER 2001

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

Focus of workshop:
This workshop will focus on exploring the following two areas:

• The mechanisms of collaborative learning
• The conditions for effective collaborative learning.

Schedule

1:00 - 1:15 Introduction to workshop
1:15 - 2:45 Collaborative learning activities
2:45 - 3:00 Tea break
3:00 - 3:20 Best practice - reflections (Iain McAlpine)
3:20 - 3:40 Showcase of online collaborative tools
3:40 - 4:00 Collaborating with colleagues (Michele Scoufis)
4:05 - 4:55 Virtual Learning Laboratory (Branko Celler)School of Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering (Room G3)
4:55 - 5:00 Evaluation

Aim of workshop:

This workshop aims to:

• Introduce participants to the mechanisms of collaborative learning and the conditions required for effective collaborative learning.
• Get participants to experience and discuss some of these mechanisms and conditions.
• Demonstrate best practice in collaborative learning.
• Showcase some online collaborative learning applications.
• Provide a web-site with collaborative learning resources and activities which participants could use for staff development "opportunities" in their Faculty.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop participants should:

• Identify various collaborative learning mechanisms.
• Be aware of how to set the right conditions for collaborative learning.
• Be aware of the need to prepare students and staff for collaborative learning activities.
• Be able to incorporate some collaborative learning activity into their courses.
• Identify ways of using the materials and methods covered in the workshop and supporting web-site to promote collaborative learning in their Faculty.
  

• Workshop Activities (90 min)
  
  
• Tea Break (15 min)
  
  
• Best Practice in Collaborative Learning (about 20 min) - an expert's perspective (Iain to talk about his experiences)
  
  
• Showcase of Online Collaborative Learning Tools (about 20 min):
  
  • George's Website - a collaborative learning resources for staff development.
    • What is a MOO?
    • What is Net-Meeting?
    • The Health Care Game
      
      
• Final Discussion - (about 15 min)
  
  • How can we incorporate collaborative learning with our colleagues? (Michelle Scoufis)
  • How do we take these ideas back to our Schools and Faculties, as part of a staff development program?
    
    
• Visit to Virtual Learning Laboratory Room G3 Electrical Engineering Building. (about 1 hour)