The Collaborative Technologies FLC is studying the technologies available to support group collaboration. The community was established during the 2001-2002 academic year to explore the ways to use technology effectively in collaborative endeavors.  That first year we examined how faculty used two specific collaborative technologies (WebCT and Groove) in teaching their classes.  What we learned was that we did not fully understand the collaborative learning process as it relates to collaborative technologies.  This lesson inspired us to look at collaborative learning first, then the technology that can be used to support it.  Last year we moved beyond questions about technology capabilities to asking questions about how collaborative technologies are used to support student learning.  We also expanded our efforts to share LC results with a wider constituency through local workshops and at academic conferences.  This year we will focus on pedagogy and attempt to identify best practices for the design and facilitation of collaborative learning in face-to-face, on-line and blended classroom environments.  We will also focus on assessment strategies for collaborative learning activities to answer questions about student learning and the return on investment for dollars spent on technology and on pedagogical research activities.  The time has come to empirically explore how the use of technology affects student learning.

The Collaborative Technologies FLC is seeking new membership. Expertise in the technology is not required. Interest in learning (yours and students) is.