Nature and the Name of the Thing

Collaborative Learning

Program

Texts, Videos, etc.

Training Program

During the coming weeks, we will be involved in our Training Program.
This program adopts a learning methodology which I named “Collaborative Learning Experience” (EAC) about six years ago.
 (If you find that “EAC” is a weird-sounding expression, read the section “Nature and the Name of the Thing”. If you face difficulties in understanding the expression “Collaborative Learning”, read the text “Collaborative Learning”. These two texts and the Presentation overlap in their content.)

All of us have had some experiences with face-to-face training programs (also referred to as training sessions or qualification trainings). We may learn a lot through these processes if we are interested in the subjects and if those responsible for the training (also called instructor) are well prepared and know not only how to convey the training topic in a clear and pleasant manner, but also to elicit and conduct dialogs and discussions among the participants. 

And all of us had had experiences in which we learned – sometimes quite important things – when collaborating with our peers in our work environment – due to the very fact that we were cooperating. There are organizations which provide highly favorable environments for this type of non-formal learning, because they value day-to-day dialogs and discussions and they set aside time and spaces for people to talk and share their issues and difficulties with one another and, often times, receive valuable suggestions for them to do their job.
EAC attempts to add value to these two mechanisms – to the formal learning of a face-to-face training process and to the non-formal learning that takes place in everyday interactions – a virtual environment of collaborative learning where technology will be used to learn from one another. 
Most of us have certainly already learned to use most technology modalities we will be relying upon with the purpose of learning collaboratively, because they are technology modalities which are relatively simple and widely known. We will be basically navigating on the web and exchanging electronic mails (E-mails) over the Internet. 

Technology currents provides us with an additional element to formal learning through face-to-face training processes and to the non-formal learning which takes place in the everyday interactions in our work environment. In many cases, collaborative learning in virtual environments is an important alternative to these two types of learning. The greatest advantage of these environments is that they lay the foundations for significant interaction and cooperation initiatives without the need for face-to-face situations to happen in the same place, at the same time. This discussion will be virtual and asynchronous.

Some, for example, may put in some time, within their working hours, to read mails and texts – and to write their messages. Others, fond of staying awake throughout the night, will prefer to take advantage of the quiet of the small hours to do so. Others yet, who like to sleep late (or those suffering from insomnia), will log in our virtual environment at midnight. Some do not mind spending their weekends and holidays to learn. Other would rather set aside these moments to spend time with their families, at their church or indulging in their hobbies. The advantage of the virtual interaction over the Internet is that each one can interact at their own time, at their own pace, in their own manner.

Some will seem a bit skeptical and conclude that learning collaboratively is something which requires face-to-face, eye-to-eye interactions, or maybe, even a hand on one’s shoulder... There is no doubt that this type of interaction is indeed important and, for some types of learning, even essential. But I have no doubt that, in a number of contexts, collaborative learning over the Internet is an excellent complement, or even a great alternative – not to mention also that, in some circumstances, we are left with no other choice!

In fact, there are situations in which collaborative learning via the Internet may even offer advantages. Two are described below.

First of all, in face-to-face interactions, when someone asks a question, we feel somehow forced to give an immediate answer even if we are not prepared to do so at that moment. In interactions on the Internet, we can give ourselves some time to ponder over the question, maybe read something about it, and then provide an answer. This may mean that our answers are more complete and judicious.

Second of all, in face-to-face interactions, what is said is highly volatile, it is easily lost (that is why words are said to fly…). In interactions via Internet, everything is recorded for a later reference (This is an advantage which, in some cases, may bring along some disadvantages....).

The strategy that we are going to adopt in order to learn to use technology as a learning tool will not be focused on teaching, as widely understood, that is to say: one would speak (the teacher or the instructor) and the other (student) listens, one explains and the other pays attention. Here everyone will speak (or write) and everyone will listen (and read), many will express themselves and everyone will pay attention. 

It is true that this type of experience, as in any other learning experiences, we need motivation, a will to learn. If we believe we have nothing to learn or what we are expected to learn will not be worth it, we are very likely to face difficulties to learn in any context. We are sure that, in our case, the wish to learn will not be a problem. 

In our experience will be using technology to learn with one another, collaboratively. But, learn what? As a last resort, learn to work at Lumiar in an effective and efficient manner. For further details, refer to EAC Program. 

This website -- http://www.institutolumiar.org/formacao/, without "br" -- will be used as the reference site for EAC. Lumiar Institute ("Lumiar Institute") Discussion Group at http://br.groups.yahoo.com/group/institutolumiar/ -- will serve as the main interaction mechanism. All of you should participate in this Discussion Group.