Technology Tools for Collaboration
So what tools are out there that allow us to interact and collaborate. In this section we will introduce some popular technologies to achieve this.
So what tools are out there that allow us to interact and collaborate? In this section we will introduce some popular technologies to achieve this.
A] Facebook Communities
Our first task is to think of ways we might use the social network, Facebook, for collaboration. Our students, parents and colleagues often already have an account so lets think of some ways to exploit this platform.
- Online College. (2017). 99 Ways you Should be using FB in your Class
- Walsh, K. (2011). Facebook in the classroom ... Seriously
Follow these steps to build your own Class FB Community page;
- On your home page scroll to the bottom and select 'Create a Page'
- Select 'Cause or Community' as the page type and then enter a 'Page Name'. In most cases the name should reflect your courseware community.
- Add a profile picture, write a short 'About' section and disable/skip ads.
- Next see if you can find a suitable 'cover image' and insert the first post.
- If you are aware of any of the courseware events then set some milestones and then
- Invite some class colleagues so that at least for now, while we await the students, you have an audience.
B] Google Drive
Lets add a file sharing platform to our collaboration efforts. Follow the following steps to sign up and install Google Drive;
- Google. (2017). How to use Google Drive
C] Wikispaces
How about a collaborative web site for a class assignment? For that we can use Wikispaces. Access the video below and follow the tutorial.
D] WhatsApp
Some times collaboration might happen by setting up a group so that memebers can easily contact each other using their phones. Let's create a WhatsApp group.
Wikihow. (2017). How to Create a Group in WhatsApp