Assessment 1 Embedded task 6

In the beginning of this course, being informed that the class was going to be working collaboratively, created mixed emotions. Relating back to previous group work activities, past experiences proved to have some disadvantages (might have been myself lacking in collaborative skills and the context of the group exercise). However learning about the precision associated with the creation of collaboration and the vast diversities of its use, I have gained a deeper understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of how, what, and when, collaborative learning is used. I have always enjoyed the creation of new thoughts and creating ideas. With technology now allowing enhanced connectivity on a global scale, the ability for everyone to create new innovative ideas has increased rapidly. Collaborative learning is most effectively used when learners are in control of their learning, allowing for higher order thinking skills, such as content synthesis, evaluation and analysis and most importantly the sharing of the new thoughts and perspectives. I found that collaborative learning is beneficial, particularly being highlighted in the De Bono’s hat activity. Sharing of ideas and thoughts was an interesting process, as discovering the diversities of ideas on a particular topic, highlighted that individuals differ vastly as far as opinions and perspectives go. Putting these ideas and perspectives in a collaborative learning environment, I believe will create some fantastic innovative ideas, now at an even greater rate. The only disadvantage with collaborative learning within this is course, was the access to be able to post comments on peoples Blogs. I had found that if you made a comment, that it was quite a tidies’ process to navigate back to Moodle to access somebody else’s Blog (maybe there was an easier way lol). However this highlighted to me that the easier the access, the more likely members are to connect, based on this activity. One of the more difficult parts that I had found in regards to collaborative learning within this course, was my ability to communicate negative feedback. Within my generation, you respected people’s opinion and it was valued to keep your “comments to yourself”. Now with Blogging and social media, I find it quit confronting as now everyone has something to say. Not necessarily a bad thing, however growing up in a generation that keeping your comments to yourself was expected, I myself find it a little difficult in communicating my “two cents” worth. However I do see the benefits of posting negatives as well as positives, as they are all part of learning and developing the necessary social and emotional skills that are required in today’s society, and for the innovation and manipulation of personal perspectives.