Online+Collaboration+Tools

= **Overview**  =

Collaborate: To work jointly with others or together in an __intellectual__ endeavor
//- Source: Merriam-Webster online dictionary: Link//

//** Alone we can go faster.....but together, we can go further! **//
- African Proverb

//Is there a difference between collaboration and cooperation? Does there even need to be a comparison?//
One possible answer given by Mary Alice Arthur on Anecdote.com Cooperation = working together so both (all) of our needs get served. Collaboration = working together to create something of a higher outcome.

What are Collaboration Tools?
Online Collaboration tools are a series of web 2.0 tools that allow groups of individuals to work together at the same time *synchronously) or seperately (asynchronously). Using these tools, distance is no longer an issue for two or more people to interact, share, create and disseminate information and content. Collaboration tools allow teachers to form mini-learning networks for a specific learning outcome where the end result is greater than what any of the involved parties would have been able to achieve on their own within the same time frame (or even longer). There is a of tools available online to create collaborative instructional and learning environments. In this wiki, we review some of the more popular ones.

How much do they cost?
Typically, most of these services are free for educational purposes but some cost money. Those that charge a fee however, typically allow a free 30-day trial in order for you to properly evaluate the tool.

Where can I find them?
There are literally hundreds of websites that support online collaboration. Below is a partial list of some resources to get you started. What you will notice is that every tool has its pros and cons. You will find that using most tools will bring success when proper pedagogy is applied.

Uses and why I should care
Using Online Collaboration tools,a teacher can allow students to share and communicate information to others in ways that were previously not possible. Sharing and creating can be done among students within the same classroom, school, country and/or beyond. Collaborative tools also make use of some of the main tenets of education such as cooperative-learning, peer-learning and critical thinking among others. When used effectively, Online Web 2.0 tools allow teachers to establish learning groups where face to face interaction is no longer a mitigating factor. Though the social benefits of in-person contact for collaboration are not to be discounted, online collaboration helps to break down potential barriers such as gender, race, age and religion between learners in order to focus on the task at hand. Apart from the potential of a higher or enhanced level of learning, the effective use of online collaborative tools allows students to explore new ways of interacting with other individuals that are current and common in every day work and life situations.

Logistics and the Why!
There are a few considerations when setting up effective online collaboration. Indeed, the tool does not make the project. Proper analysis of an online collaborative tool can make project/event much easier to manage. Don't get discouraged if a tool is not as good as you originally thought. There are many more out there for you to try. Contact colleagues and experts to get their opinion as well. According to Dillenbourg and Scheinder, There are 3 conditions for effective collaborative learning online.
 * 1) Group Composition (Who is in the group)
 * 2) Task Features (What are they trying to accomplish)
 * 3) Communication media (What online tool are they using)

Though this article dates back to 1995 (Eons ago in the computer world), it's principals still hold true. These factors need to be considered in any online collaboration project. In fact, the factors that hold true for one project may not work for another one.

I'm sold, take me to your leader!!!
This wiki contains a review of some collaboration tools. The navigation menu on the left contains some pages that explore Collaborative Learning tools and how they can be used in the classroom.

Some interesting Links and references
Keep in mind that although some of these lists give an overview of collaboration tools available. Very few of them explore them pedagogically. In other words, "Great for use in the classroom" is not a very useful thing to say if it is not followed by an exploration into "How" or "Why".


 * 50 Free Collaboration Tools that are Awesome for Education
 * 100 Web Tools to Enhance Collaboration Part 1, 2, 3. (Link)
 * Another List of Collaboration tools. Grouped. Scroll around to see them all. (Link)
 * An overview of WWW Collaboration. (Link)
 * A discussion on Collaborative Learning: @http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/collaboration/
 * Considering Collaboration as a Learning Style. (Link)