Digital Collaboration?

*Photo courtesy of EduTopia

Digital collaboration...I know what digital means and I know how to collaborate but putting the two together goes way beyond what I am accustomed to doing.  Here is the definition for you: digital collaboration is using digital devices, open source data and cloud technology to share knowledge, manage information and contribute user-generated content to communities of people regardless of time or place (Wikipedia). Through this class, I have learned how to digitally collaborate with fellow classmates and LOVE it...but I have to be honest and say I have never done it in the classroom.  I still don't use the cloud, though my phone tells me I have saved stuff to my cloud...I am becoming more familiar with Google docs, but have never created a document myself...of course there is my new found love/hate relationship for Twitter (I LOVE all the information I am getting from here, it is amazing, I hate that I sometimes become consumed in all the information and get nothing else done).

As educators, we have done the face to face, one on one, small & large group collaboration from the beginning of our careers and they are good ways to communicate.  BUT, they are not the only way...face to face is great for many reasons, but we have to look outside the box (our classroom and school) to find someone who may have a fantastic idea we would have never dreamed of pursuing.  The problem is we sometimes lack the push or desire to step out of our comfort zone and collaborate beyond our school walls.  If this is the case, we are not only hurting ourselves, but also doing a disservice to our students.  The ways to collaborate are seemingly endless and can become overwhelming, but when we take baby steps, it may not seem so bad.

How amazing is it for students to be able to have a conversation with a student in South America when they are studying different continents, take a virtual field trip to the jungle when studying habitats, learn how to work a math problem with someone in a different state.  When we get our students beyond the classroom doors, we excite them and revive their desire for learning.  When it becomes real to them, it becomes something they will remember.  A classroom desk and white board are so "not fun" but an iPad connected to a student in Mexico when learning about Cinco de Mayo is WAY more engaging.

As leaders, we have to help our fellow staff step outside of their comfort zone.  I think many of us have already done that through this class and we have survived to LOVE it (or at least I have).  We have to share our knowledge with those teachers we know who are reluctant to jump on the train of technology!  It is always moving and changing, we have to hang on and learn as we go!  What better way to be a life long learner!