Collaborative Learning and the www

In today's 'global village' there is no reason for schools to act as distinct entities and in my opinion more schools, teachers and pupils should be actively encouraged to share experiences and ideas in order to help raise standards. This concept can be applied to a local geographical region, across the UK and now worldwide using today's technologies.

If teachers can share their knowledge with others, is this not the most effective way of saving time and effort, whilst gaining valuable insights into what constitutes best practice? It must be. There is no reason for a teacher with an expertise or an affinity for a particular subject to withhold that knowledge anymore. I want my kids to be taught by the very best teachers around, and using the Web they will be able to do so. No longer will a fat wallet or a postcode govern the quality of our childrens' education. As a media to support school teaching the Web is the teaching and learning tool of the future.

You can also argue the same 'share and share alike' benefits can apply for students. Surely collaborative learning can help students on a number of different levels. By sharing knowledge and experiences students will also develop functions such as teamwork, communication and responsibility, which are all invaluable life skills.

To learn more about collaborative learning in schools please visit: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/collaborative.html