Challenges 8 & 9

Challenge 8

My wikispace link:  http://srobinson3.wikispaces.com/

A wiki editing project allows students to work collaboratively on a project in the classroom, in the library, or at home.  It does not matter where the students are they can still go online to the wiki project and complete the assignment.  Members of the group can go to the wikispace to check the work at any time as long as they have internet access.  They can manage the progress of the assignment easily. With the traditional in-class group work technology will not be used as often.

What is the difference between collaboration and cooperation?  Collaboration is a relatively new concept and is supported by tools such as wiki.  Collaboration requires for students to work together to achieve a common goal using higher order thinking skills.  Cooperation is the act of working together.  Students must learn how to work through their differences in opinions and come to a conclusion together.  Students look to the teacher for help during these situations and cooperation is something that should be modeled by the teacher.

How can collaboration be taught?  Collaboration can be taught by allowing students to work in groups. Students need the opportunity to work with others and allow the teacher to help to guide them as they talk through their differences and come to a conclusion.  Students should also be placed in different groups often.  They do not need to also work with the same people.

Challenge 9
I used the following rubric 2 (link below) while assessing the three wikispaces.  I looked over the following wikispaces:  Lori Ann Gibson, Nicole Hackett, and Stephanie Blackburn.
Rubric 2
All were engaged and communicated with team members.  They were also very organized.
Rating; 7