Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?
My original answer to this question was simply going to be “NO”. During the past few decades our society has been one of self absortion and selfishness. Many reflect on the Eighties as the “me” decade. I grew up beginning to understand the world during the late Eighties and early Nineties. Since this period in time, I have found that we still live in a “me” society, however, there are changes that continue to occur.
Rheingold (2008) mentions during his 2005 presentation that humans have a tendency to destroy or deplete resources available for consumption. This “tragedy of commons” scenario that de discussed did find groups that have found ways to work around these tragedies and survive. Some might ask, what does this have to do with collaboration in humans?
During the past decade, there has been an increased interest in recycling and working toward renewable energies. I think this is our way of attempting to avoid the “tragedy” that can become.
How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
Rheingold (2008) discusses the role that technology has played in how we interact. Desktop computers are our means of communication with the world. Desktops act as a printing press, communication tool, and bank (Rheingold, 2008). He also goes on to discuss how businesses are learning to share information that does not only benefit their organization, but also that of the competition (Rheingold, 2008).
I believe it is important that as our society increases in knowledge, through technology and other resources, new methods of learning will be necessary. Constructivism looks at knowledge that is already instilled within a person. It through experience that individuals grasp the knowledge and gain an understanding of surroundings. As Rheingold (2008) stated, our own interests can be served through shared information and collaboration.
Reference:
Rheingold, H. (2008). Collaboration. Retrieved July 14, 2010 from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
I'm spending the week in Orlando at the Blackboard conference, BbWorld. Riding the shuttle, sitting quietly before a presentation, walking with a group, I've noticed that the majority of us have our cell phone at our ear or eye level, making us unavailable to meet those around us. I wonder who I'm not meeting as I struggle to manage the office while out of town. I could be sitting next to another admin who holds the answer to questions I don't verbalize. How can we collaborate when our heads are with our technology, in the clouds.
ReplyDeleteAn editorial in the News-Sentinel (2009) posed an intriguing question, "Will they "keep in touch" by increasingly ignoring the world right in front of them the way their parents have?" What do you think?
(2009, August 5). EDITORIAL: Reach out and touch someone, if you know how: The easier it is to communicate, the less we have to interact. News-Sentinel, The (Fort Wayne, IN), Retrieved from Newspaper Source database.
Hello Terry
ReplyDeleteI think that as time goes by people find different ways of collaborating with each other. I think is a mistake to look at this issue in a vacuum, I believe that there are many factors affecting how/when and why humans "decide" to interact and help each other accomplish certain goals. For instance, economic crisis, natural disasters, wars, etc., can all change people's reactions to each other. For instance, think of the aftermath of 9/11. In any case, this topic is just more complicated than we may think, and as you well pointed out, there are many variables affecting the outcomes.
Alejandra
Terry,
ReplyDeleteThere is truth about what happened in the 80’s and 90’s. Yes, it is still continuing today. Everything is about “me.” How can society work as a group when people are still in the WIIFM (What’s in it for me) syndrome?
With regard to technology, it is already having its effect on education. Just today, I had a conversation with a friend about her son taking online college classes while still in high school. If it were not for technology, how would a 15 year old be able to transcend his education? It baffles the mind.
Golda
I was wondering Terry, how would kids today function without their "technology?" Do you think this generation including ourselves, could still function and have the ability to adapt to our society? I totally agree and I think we're getting worse in our society about the "me" factor. As technology increases, our patience decreases, our human interaction decreases and our knowledge decreases in the realm of "doing things on our own-critical thinking and problem solving." That's just my thought however.. :)
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteTerry, I agree that as knowledge increases new methods of learning are needed. The generations behind us are fast learners and technology is their preferred method of learning. Therefore, collaboration will be a necessity.