I recently ran across a ‘virtual paper’ (which is a great idea by the way) on blip.tv about “Collaborating by Design,” where author and presenter Hazel Owen of Unitec New Zealand discusses a process model and framework you can use to get started with ICTELT (Information, Communmication Technology Enhanced Learning and Teaching).

One of the basic things to understand about using technology for online collaboration is that you must move from a teacher-centered to a learning-centered approach. In other words, it’s more important what the student does than what the teacher does, says Owen. And while it’s tempting to just let the technology dictate the online activities, pedagogy should actually be the driving force. In my mind, the technology should be as invisible as possible to facilitate a focus on teaching and learning.

Owen believes it’s all about meeting the needs of today’s students, who are sophisticated users of technology and who expect online or blended sessions where formal or informal collaboration can happen. In fact, interactive online activities are very important to collaborative learning. Something we understand at Elluminate.

Interestingly enough, Owen tests her model at Dubai Men’s College, a great story in itself. Enjoy.

Keep on Elluminating.

Beth – Elluminate Goddess of Communication