Outline/Storyboard for Collaboration in distance education

1. Introduction: Collaboration project (so far)

The concept of distance education has been around for many years. In a distance-learning environment, the learner is at a distance from his or her professor and peers; therefore, the learner has to use technology to access learning materials, complete assignments, and communicate with others (Ally, 2008, p. 16). Although the concept of distance education is not new, many institutions try to replicate the traditional classroom setting online and pass it off as distance education. If distance education is to be successful, collaboration is essential. Therefore, Simonson (2000) explains that distance education must “…provide a different but equivalent learning experience to each learner” (Simonson, 2000, p.29). It must provide learning experiences that are equal in relevancy to the concepts, but students are able to achieve outcomes in extremely different manners (Simonson, 2000, p.29).


2. What is collaboration, and who should collaborate?

Collaboration is the process of actively working together to construct knowledge through social interaction.

First, collaboration occurs between administrators, teachers, and instructional designers to ensure that the learning needs, instructional materials, and evaluation methods are accurately developed. Secondly, collaboration is necessary between students. Participants can grow from the materials discussed collaboratively in a discussion panel or blog. In addition, students completing group assignments must rearrange their family’s schedule to meet, design, and construct their project. Next, without the collaboration of librarians and technical support staff, students would be lost within the learning environment. Lastly, interaction between instructors and students is important. Instructors facilitate knowledge and guide learner groups.

3. What will foster collaboration?

Communication is the key and a community must be present.
Palloff and Pratt suggested seven competencies that both instructors and learners need to consider when building a strong community. They suggest creating team charters, using technology appropriately, maintaining cross-cultural sensitivity, increasing chances for career development, building trust, promoting networking, and adapting the framework to meet learners’ needs (Palloff & Pratt, 2005, pp.11-14). Siemens (2008) concurs by explaining the process as a well balanced diet, and he identifies the need to change how we view the learning process. Instead of individuals learning, leaning communities say, “We have a difficult, complex task ahead of us. The only way we’re going to achieve this is if everyone contributes” (Siemens, 2008).

4. What tools and assignments are necessary to collaborate effectively in an online environment?

Web 2.0 tools – insert definition/ examples: Wikis, social networking sites, Second Life, Active Worlds, podcasting, and communication tools (etc.)
Collaborative assignments must align with learning objectives and be assessed collaboratively (Palloff and Pratt, 2005, p. 50)
They must be easy to understand

5. How does collaboration enhance the learning environment?

Ability to generate more knowledge
Promotes critical thinking
Meets the needs of all learners



6. What challenges will learners face?

Participation challenges (Palloff and Pratt, 2005, p. 50)
Leadership and decision making challenges (Palloff and Pratt, 2005, p. 50)
Instructional design challenges (Palloff and Pratt, 2005, p. 50)
Cultural differences (Palloff and Pratt, 2005, p. 50)

7. Conclusion:

8. References: (So far)

Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

Beldarrain, Y. (2006). Distance education trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration. Distance Education, 27, 139-153.

Kennedy, D. & Duffy, T. (2004). Collaboration – a key principle in distance education. Open Learning,19(2), 203–211.


Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Author.


Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco:Jossey-Bass.

Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.