Author: Kristy Conger

Table of Contents

Defining Telecommunication/Telecollaboration

Telecommunication or telecollaboration can be defined as the process of communicating or working with others via online or virtual methods.

The University of Virgina's definition of telecollaboration.

Related terms and definitions

• Virtual Collaboration
• Video Conferencing
• Voice over Internet Protocol
• Telepresence

Visual Definition for Telecommunication/Telecollaboration

Telecommunication/Telecollaboration Tools

A number of tools and applications exist which can assist in any telecommunication or telecollaboration activity. The list below is not an exhaustive list as new tools and applications are constantly developed.

Tools that can Assist in Telecommunication/Telecollaboration Experiences

• iChat
• ooVoo
• SightSpeed
• Skype
• palbee
• Elluminate
• Yugma
• WiZiQ
• Dimdim
• Vyew
• Ning
• Fonomo
  

Telecommunication/Telecollaboration in Education

Telecommunication and telecollaboration are beginning to play major roles in the field of education. Students, instructors, and researchers have access to collaborative opportunities and tools today that were not available even five years ago. Many current Web 2.0 applications and tools are making it possible for those in the field of education to collaborate with fellow students, instructors, and colleagues from around the world.

Areas in education that are utilizing various forms of telecommunication/telecollaboration:

• Virtual Education
• Distance Education
• Electronic Learning

Articles discussing the uses of telecommunication/telecollaboration in education

Social Presence: The Secret Behind Online Collaboration - Mary Beth Lakin
"We all acknowledge the growing need to be able to communicate across cultures, to lead global teams, and to find information quickly and efficiently. Now collaborative experiences are helping foster these abilities in college classrooms and workplace settings alike. With the rise of collaborative technologies, professionals across sectors and around the globe use instant messaging, web conferencing, and content management systems to create collaborative groups."

Enhancing Social Studies Instruction: Methods Courses with Telementoring and Telecollaboration - Dr. Amy Good
"The purpose of this paper is to show the potential benefits of enhancing instruction through telecollaboration and telementoring. The paper will examine current best practices with regard to preparing elementary social studies teachers as well as propose that through telementoring and telecollaboration, there can be seamless integration with and about good instruction and a potential for improvement in teacher education."

Additional Resources

• Diigo bookmarks (Telecollaboration) - Dr. Clif Mims
• Diigo bookmarks (Telecommunication) - Dr. Clif Mims
• Telecollaboration in the classroom - Dr. Clif Mims and Drew Polly
  

References

Image obtained from: http://www.ict.csiro.au/images/NetworkTech/ScalableVideoConferencingDiagram.gif

"It will be what you make it." - Clif Mims

Ongoing Conversation

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