Students need the opportunity to collaborate and work together, and in the online environment this interaction takes place using synchronous and asynchronous tools. Learning can be enhanced by allowing for students to work together in collaborative groups or teams. Effective learning is collaborative and social, not competitive and isolated.
Working with others increases the students' involvement in their own learning, and collaboration with peers can permit a student to share ideas and learning in small or large-group settings. Students can participate in study groups, collaborative learning teams, group problem solving and focused discussions. With direction and focus, online collaboration can be a valuable part to any students' education.
Just as students need the chance to work together, so do educations. Collaborating with other educators can be some of the most meaningful and personal Professional Development teachers can engage in. Social media tools and other communication technologies have permitted teachers to collaborate and network together in ways never before possible.
Working with others increases the students' involvement in their own learning, and collaboration with peers can permit a student to share ideas and learning in small or large-group settings. Students can participate in study groups, collaborative learning teams, group problem solving and focused discussions. With direction and focus, online collaboration can be a valuable part to any students' education.
Just as students need the chance to work together, so do educations. Collaborating with other educators can be some of the most meaningful and personal Professional Development teachers can engage in. Social media tools and other communication technologies have permitted teachers to collaborate and network together in ways never before possible.
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Highlights
for online collaboration 
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Tools for Student Collaboration
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Discussions
Study Buddies / Virtual Teams
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e-Portfolios
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Tools to Network with Other Educators
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Yammer
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Research & References
Friesen, N. (2012). “Defining Blended Learning.” Learning Spaces, August. http://learningspaces.org/papers/Defining_Blended_Learning_NF.pdf
Lips, D. (2010). How online learning is revolutionizing K-12 education and benefiting students. Washington, DC: The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved from: http://s3.amazonaws.com/thf_media/2010/pdf/bg_2356.pdf
Lips, D. (2010). How online learning is revolutionizing K-12 education and benefiting students. Washington, DC: The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved from: http://s3.amazonaws.com/thf_media/2010/pdf/bg_2356.pdf