Collaboration Through Media

Education is always powerful for growth and inspiration, but in recent years, technology has taken it to new heights. With an expanding world of media outlets and educational resources, teachers now have so many ways to enrich their lesson plans and make learning more dynamic and engaging for their students. As educators embrace these new tools, students are also empowered to take ownership of their learning and dive deeper into their subjects.

In Sail the 7 Cs by Becky Keene and Kathi Kersznowski, the authors dive into the impact of media and technology through education and in any workplace necessary to benefit from these tools. In Chapter 2, the focus is on collaboration, and one tool that stands out for facilitating this process is Microsoft Teams. Teams offers an easy way to share and consume media through video, audio, and file sharing in a collaborative space.

A great example provided in the chapter discusses how two people might collaborate on a PowerPoint presentation. Tools like Google Docs let users see changes made in real-time, but communication still relies on emails or text messages, which can lead to delays of hours or even days when trying to reach a consensus. However, Microsoft Teams allows group members to work on their slides, see each other's changes in real-time, and communicate instantly using Teams audio feature. This means decisions can be made and revisions discussed right away, cutting down the time it would typically take to reach an agreement and/or completion.

With tools like Microsoft Teams, collaboration is no longer confined to slow, drug out communication. Instead, educators and students alike can experience more efficient interactions that enhance learning and creativity. It’s clear that technology, when used appropriately, can be extremely beneficial in growing how we learn and work together. 

There are many other incredible media platforms that provide collaborative learning in education. Social media networks like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Bluesky, and others provide opportunities for connecting with like-minded individuals. These platforms enable people to share, discuss, and learn from one another. What I find particularly valuable about these media sources is that, when you're stuck on lesson plans, projects, or any other challenge, you can easily reach out for guidance, ideas, and advice.