Tools for Collaboration

Example 1: Collaborative Training Environment

 A new automated staff information system was recently purchased by a major corporation and needs to be implemented in six regional offices. Unfortunately, the staff is located throughout all the different offices and cannot meet at the same time or in the same location. As an instructional designer for the corporation, you have been charged with implementing a training workshop for these offices. As part of the training, you were advised how imperative it is that the staff members share information, in the form of screen captures and documents, and participate in ongoing collaboration.


In my Walden Class, I have been asked to respond to this example with my own ideas.  One of the things that I though of right away was google docs.  I use google docs at work frequently, and it is a great collaborative tool.  In an article written by Ronald Wagner from the California University of Pennsylvania, he points out the effective uses of the tools.  The users can create, share and edit documents, spreadsheets, forms, drawings, and presentations. (Wagner, 2010)

As the ID on this project, I would create documents for collaboration to provide the staff members with a way to collaborate on the project.  You can also share screen captures to allow other members to view.  You can create documents or spreadsheets and allow others to read them or comment on them.  Simonson et al states that “Training is technologically based, highly visual, and available on demand.”  Simonson, 2012)  The book goes on to state that the training is available whenever and wherever students need it.  This is an important point in this scenario because if the staff are located all over the country, they may be in different time zones and not able to view resources at the same time.

The other technology tool that came to mind are wiki’s.  A wiki is a web application which allows people to add, modify, or delete content in collaboration with others.  (Wikipedia, 2014)  In one of my previous Walden courses, I worked collaboratively with a group of students in a wiki.  It was a great collaboration tool.  We were able to share, change, and comment on documents and photos.  You can upload files in many different formats for others to view.

In 7 things you should know about Wikis, the article states that anyone with a web browser and access to the internet can asynchronously communicate and collaborate with the group across the internet.  Wikis can incorporate sounds, movies, and pictures and can be a simple tool to create multimedia presentations. (Educause Learning Initiative, n.d.)

References:

Educause Learning Initiative.  7 things you should know about Wiki’s.  retrieved on July 19, 2014, from  http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7004.pdf

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

Wagner, R. Educational technology: Using Google Docs as a Collaboration Tool.  Athl Train Education J.  2010;5(2):94-96

Wiki. (n.d.).  In Wikipedia. Retrieved on July, 19, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki