Tools for Social- Collaborative Learning Educational Technology Guide

Introduction Social learning is the act of learning with and from others (Hart, 2012) and collaborative learning tools allow students to participate in social learning. A group project is a classic example of a collaborative-social learning tool. Group projects are still used effectively in modern classrooms, however the tools used may look different than the traditional image of a group of students in the library researching a common topic. Some modern tools for collaborative learning include: Shared drives (Example: Google Drive) Social media apps (Example: Facebook) Discussion boards (Example: ProBoards)

Shared Drives: Google Drive Google Drive is an online application which allows multiple users to access and edit the same file. Google Drive allows for the storage, access, and editing of many file types, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDFs, forms, photos, and recordings (Google, 2017). This means that no longer does each person on a project team need his or her own version of a file, and now no one will have to merge all the various versions into one file. Due to this, Google Drive makes working in groups is much more efficient. Google Drive can be used in both formal and informal settings. Informally, a hobby group can use Google Drive to track events, projects, or membership. In a more formal setting, a College or University class, Google Drive can be used effectively for group projects. Using it in a class allows the students to learn about using a new technology, which is a 21st Century learning goal, while working collaboratively to create a single product, be it a research paper, a presentation, or even something like a survey.

Google Drive To get started with Google Drive, one first needs to choose the way he or she would prefer to access it. Google Drive is available through one’s internet browser (go to drive.google.com); as a mobile/ phone app for Android and Apple cellphones (go to the app store and search for Google Drive, then download the app), and as a PC download (go to drive.google.com and download the app). Once the user has downloaded the app (via mobile, desktop, or browser), he or she will then set up an account. Google Drive is free, but the user will need an email address, and to set up a password. After the account is set up, the user can begin to either upload existing files or create new files. The Google Drive file creator software operates very similarly to Microsoft Office products.

Social Media: What it is: Facebook is a social media website that allows users to create a personal or business account. The account provides a web page which can be personalized by the user and allows the user to create original “posts” (viewable entries) and share the entries made by others. With over 1 billion users posting content daily, Facebook offers an excellent opportunity for learning. Facebook presents teachers with many options for creating a collaborative learning environment for their students. OnlineCollege.org (2009) recommends teachers create a class page, have students follow news stories related to the subject matter, and ask students to post book reviews. Asking students to find and share a post about a given topic, could also be a good way to teach students about vetting source material. Asking students to write an original post, as well as asking them to vet existing posts, can help to improve writing and critical thinking skills, which will both be crucial for a successful life in the 21st century.

Facebook Informally, one can learn from Facebook by following credible new outlets, journalists, and documentarians and reading their posts. Often, these people and organization will post a good infographic or link to a well-sourced news story. Additionally, Facebook can be a good way to share information with friends, family, and fellow students as Facebook makes it easy to share images, videos, and other file types. Getting started with Facebook is easy. First, one goes to www.facebook.com and sets up an account. Similar to Google Drive, Facebook is free, but requires the user to have an existing email address. Once the account is set up, the user can begin to customize his or her page by uploading photos. Next, the user will usually begin connecting with friends, organizations, or causes by using the search feature to locate them and then choosing to either “follow” or send a “friend request”. One note of caution, is that because Facebook requests personal information to set up an account, it is important to review and choose appropriate security and privacy settings (Facebook, 2017).

Message Boards A message board is “a website or section of a website that is used for public discussion of a specific topic and on which users can submit or read messages” (message board, n.d.). Online classes often use message boards as a way to help create student interaction in an environment that lends itself to student independence. TeacherStream LLC (2010) lists the following advantages to teachers using a message board: Builds class community by promoting discussion on course topics Allows time for in-depth reflection- students have more time to reflect, research & compose their thoughts before participating in the discussion Facilitates learning by allowing students to view & to respond to the work of others Develops thinking & writing skills Allows guest experts to participate in the course by posting information & responding to questions

Message Boards To be successful in the 21st century, one needs to understand how to write well in a formal, and an informal manner. In a traditional classroom setting, student-to-teacher and student-to-student interaction would create community, but because the interactions would be verbal, the only time a student receives feedback on his or her writing is after an assignment. Using a message board as a part of a class, allows instructors and students to interact with each other in a way that promotes the practice of writing while also building a sense of community. If an instructor wants a student to practice formal writing, he or she can assign a post based on research to include citations. However, if an instructor wants the student to learn how to write well, but in a more informal manner, the instructor can assign students the task of writing about his or her self. Additionally, an instructor cam also use a discussion board to help students practice finding credible sources by assigning a topic and asking students to locate and post links to three-plus sources. All of these assignments could be beneficial to students of various levels.

ProBoards To get started using a message board, one must first identify a provider, assuming the instructor does not have a learning management system with a built-in message board feature. One provider of independent message boards is ProBoards. ProBoards is a free message board provider that allows the user to create and customize a message board (ProBoards, 2017). In addition to a basic message board, users can upload files, embed YouTube videos, and received 24/7 support. To get started with ProBoards one must first set up an account. This is done by going to www.proboards.com, choosing a forum/board name, and then (like Google Drive and Facebook) entering in an existing email address and creating a password. Once these steps are done, the user can begin customizing their board. One general note of caution, if you choose to use a message board, it is important to make sure the assignments given to your students do not become stale and routine (Haynie, 2013).

Learn More To learn more about social-collaborative learning and the tools featured in this presentation, please visit the following resources: http://www.itworld.com/article/2708583/software-as-a-service/how-to-collaborate-using-google-drive.html http://www.computerworld.com/article/2505487/web-apps/web-apps-10-file-sharing-options-dropbox-google-drive-and-more.html http://www.edudemic.com/how-to-use-social-media-as-a-learning-tool-in-the-classroom/ https://elearningindustry.com/the-role-of-social-media-in-elearning http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/media/social_learning.html http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/2015-year-message-boards-and-forums http://techtipsforteachers.weebly.com/blog/using-discussion-boards-in-the-classroom https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/blogs/

References Alphabet, Inc. (2017). Google Drive. Google.com, Website. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/drive/ Facebook. (2017). Teaching digital kids. Facebook.com. Website. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/safety/groups/teachers Hart, J. Social and collaborative learning in the workplace. Center for Learning and Performance Technologies. Slideshare. Retrieved from http://www.slideshar.net/janehart/social-collaborative-learning-in-the-worplace. Haynie, D. (2013). Benefits and drawbacks of online discussion boards [blog]. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/making-the-online-grade/2013/11/08/benefits-drawbacks-of-online-class-discussion-boards message board. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Website. Retrieved from http://www.dictionary.com/browse/message--board OnlineCollege. (2009). 100 ways you should be using facebook in your classroom. Onlinecollege.org. Website. Retrieved from http://www.onlinecollege.org/2009/10/20/100-ways-you-should-be-using-facebook-in-your-classroom/ ProBoards. (2017). Free forum features. proboards.com Website. Retrieved from https://www.proboards.com/free-forum-features Teachersteam, LLC. (2010). Mastering online discussion board facilitation. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/stw/edutopia-onlinelearning-mastering-online-discussion-board-facilitation.pdf