What is Collaboration? Diane Chapman NC State University ELI 2009 Online Fall Focus Session

Who Me, A Collaborator? Two or more people Sharing knowledge Common goals Sharing authority, accountability, resources and rewards “If I could solve all the problems myself, I would.” ~ Thomas Edison, when asked why he had a team of 21 assistants.

Changing Landscape Flattened Fast Connected Thrifty

Colleen Aalsburg Wiessner

Successful Collaboration Needs to planned Benefits all Powerful Unlimited potential Leverages diversity and uniqueness Results in learning “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed” ~ Charles Darwin

Theory Adult Learning Active Learning Transformative Learning “Collaboration equals innovation.” ~ Michael Dell (Founder, Dell Computers)

Opportunities (not Challenges) Diversity within the group – Communication styles – Learning styles – Cultural differences Technology Assessment Maintaining our individuality Bumps in the road

What We Know Environment – History of collaboration or cooperation – Legitimacy – Favorable political and social climate Membership – Mutual respect, understanding, and trust – Diversity – Members see collaboration in their self- interest – The ability to compromise Process and Structure – Share a stake in process and outcome – Flexibility/adaptability in both structure and methods – Clear roles and policy guidelines – Appropriate pace Communication – Open and frequent – Informal and formal Purpose – Clear attainable goals and objective – Shared vision but unique purpose Resources – Sufficient funds, staff, materials, and time – Skilled leadership From Mattessich, P. W. (2001) Collaboration: What makes it work (2nd Edition) A review of research and literature on factors Influencing successful collaboration, Wilder Publishing.

Questions/Comments?

Communication Time Respect for differences Learning styles Continuous Freedom for difference of opinion Flexibility "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” ~ Helen Keller

Time To reflect To build relationships To use technology To work Musicals are plays, but the last collaborator is your audience, so you've got to wait 'til the last collaborator comes in before you can complete the collaboration. ~ Stephen Sondheim ( Composer and Lyricist )

Reflection Learning styles Adult learning theory Transformative learning theory Part of the process Alone and together “The greater our knowledge increases the more our ignorance unfolds.” ~ John F. Kennedy

Structure Personalities Diversity Technologies Roles Expectations, purpose, goals Ground rules “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” ~ Isaac Newton

Facilitation/Modeling Fostering the belief Empowering Guiding not leading Focus Modeling behaviors Ongoing I think there should be collaboration, but under my thumb. ~ Elia Kazan ( Film Director and Producer )

Buy-In An Ethic Benefits Learning more together than individually I am MORE because of the experience Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Meade (Anthropologist)

Creative Freedom New perspectives Unlimited possibilities Full potentials Different ways of knowing Creativity ≠ chaos Creativity = productivity “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” ~ Albert Einstein

Ask these Questions… Is there flexibility in the ways that participants communicate? Is there enough planned reflection time? Is this collaboration structured to succeed? Am I guiding and not leading? What is each participant getting out of this? Have I unleashed creative expression?

Questions/Comments?