Blog 4 - Supporting Student Communication

To understand student communication, Egbert felt that we should define the related terms. She defines communication as "a general term that implies the conveyance of information either one-way or through an exchange with two or more partners" (p. 67). Communication is important for student success. Not only do you have to effectively communicate ideas and concepts to students, but they have to learn how to communicate between each other, not just converse. There is a big difference.
Collaboration is "social interaction in which participants must plan and accomplish something specific together (p. 68). Collaboration is when each member of a group contributes equally and effectively. As teachers, it is a lot of times hard for us to collaborate ourselves, much less teach students how to do it. A big part of effective collaboration is effective communication.
Collaboration and communication go hand in hand in every classroom situation. To effectively integrate technology into student learning, these things must take place. I feel that as a teacher, I am expected to utilize group work in much of my instruction. However, before I can expect positive results from that type of instruction practice, I must first teach and demonstrate good communication skills and good collaboration skills.
On a different note, it is important that a teacher chooses the right technology to utilize with group collaboration and communication. The use of technology for group projects is a great way to further a student's understanding of effective collaboration and communication.

Egbert, J. (2009). Supporting learning with technology: Essentials of classroom practice. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.