Collaborative learning is the deliberate grouping or pairing of learners for the purpose of achieving a learning outcome.

Collaborate with whom?

Think about who it is you will gain some benefit from collaborating with.  It may be people who have different views to yours.  Or, it may be people who are grappling with similar issues and challenges and who are working within a different context.  Following are some examples of individuals or networks you might consider contacting

• User groups; eg, groups who meet formally/informally and who are passionate about a particular skill such as computer user groups
  
• Special Interest Groups – these may be real or virtual.   Search the web for interest groups.  Engage in discussions.
  
• Industry – Identify some key people within your industry area.  Invite them to your meetings.  Learn from their real-life experience.
  
• Client groups – many industries have a professional body.  A collaborative partnership can enhance your understanding of the client needs.
  
• Individual experts – some people have excellent skills in particular areas.  These skills may be just what you are looking for.  Seek their advice or support.
  
• Other LearnScope teams – identify teams around Australia who appear to be working on similar projects to yours.  These may be similar in the type of skills or in the industry area.  Establish linkages and aim to meet (via teleconference in an online forum or in person) throughout your project to share knowledge and experiences.
  
• Registered Training Organisations – whether you are a private, public or community provider there is much to be gained from collaborating with others.  You may be working on similar issues so learning can be achieved through understanding the issues as they may relate to a different sector.
  
• Other educational sectors – schools, university or childcare centers can offer ideas, inspiration or sound advice as you move into the flexible learning environment.
  
• Educational services – libraries, information technology, careers advisers and many others are dealing with a host of issues relating to learners.  Establish a learning relationship with people from these areas.
  
• Australian Flexible Learning Framework projects – There are many individuals who have developed skills and knowledge in a range of areas and can be accessed.  You may be interested in specific areas such as innovation, legal issues, research, toolboxes.  Contact people who have worked on these projects through the flexiblelearning.net.au site.

Benefits of Collaboration

• Opportunity to engage in discussion
  
• Activate exchange of ideas
  
• Increase interest
  
• Achieve higher levels of thought
  
• Promote critical thinking
  
• Help solves problems
  
• Likely to retain information longer
  
• Meet specific needs in the process of learning
  
• Enhance performance
  
• Match skills
  
• Efficiencies (economy of scale)
  
• Gain professional development
  
• Expand professional networks
  
• Develop partnerships (learning/business)
  
• Market and promote your work

Establishing a Collaborative Learning partnership

• Composition – Who
  Identify who it is you would like to establish a learning relationship with.  You may seek out a group or an individual.  You may want to acquire a specific skill and know someone who has that skill.  Your interests may be much broader and there may be a group which is exploring similar issues or it may be an individual or group who you know have already undertaken a similar learning process.
  
• Task – What
  Be clear about what the collaborative learning partnership is about.  Establishing formal arrangements ensures that time is set aside and needs are being met.
  
• Communication – How
  Identify the process for learning.  How you will communicate (face to face, virtual – email, forums or teleconference or videoconference). Who will be responsible and what are the expectations.