Research Reviews

This week DERN (http://www.dern.org) follows a new topic in the research quest for understanding the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning. Collaboration has seen considerable press in relation to the use of ICT. However, very few research works define what they mean by collaboration, especially in education, unlike similar research in business, health and the arts. The recently released 2010 report The Metlife Survey of The American Teacher: Collaborating for Student Success (http://www.metlife.com/about/corporate-profile/citizenship/metlife-foundation/metlife-survey-of-the-american-teacher.html?WT.mc_id=vu1101) does explain its meaning of collaboration to begin. It states, “In general, it [collaboration] entails a shared purpose, commitment to a continuing relationship, and bringing together people of different experiences and perspectives to gain results greater than could have been accomplished individually” (p. 10). Based on this general meaning, Collaborating for Success (http://www.metlife.com/assets/cao/contributions/foundation/american-teacher/MetLife_Teacher_Survey_2009.pdf) reports on the views of Principals, teachers and students about collaboration.