The Ten Cultural Elements Of Collaboration In The Professional Networked Learning Collaborative

In a previous post, I introduced my concept of the Professional Networked Learning Collaborative and my belief that this is the model of the future for collaboration among professionals in education. In his excellent book The Culture of Collaboration: Maximizing Time, Talent and Tools To Create Value In The Global Economy, author Evan Rosen describes what he calls the Ten Cultural Elements of Collaboration. 

These Ten Cultural Elements provide an excellent framework from which to view collaboration within the context of the Professional Networked Learning Collaborative. 

1. Trust

To be able to give ideas up to the group for discussion, analysis, re-mix, contribution, and development is a sign of trust. Once an idea has been put forth, it ceases to becomes the “owners” and becomes the groups. Professional Networked Learning Collaboratives benefit when they trust the network with their ideas knowing that the network can improve and strengthen the idea collaboratively.

2. Sharing

Sharing what we know with the Professional Learning Network Collaborative makes everyone more valuable because they have more ideas to improve, re-mix, repurpose, challenge, examine, build upon etc. The strength of the Collaborative builds exponentially as the idea is shared with the network.

3. Goals

Developing common goals at the outset is an important step for PNLC to take. Common goals provide clear direction and target on which to focus the ICE³ values of

Imagination, Innovation, Inquiry, Collaboration, Creativity, Curiosity, Exploration, Experimentation, and Entrepreneurship. Goals allow us to understand when we have reached success.

4. Innovation

The best Professional Networked Learning Collaboratives will use ICE³ values to find new ways to do things that add value and increase student achievement.

5. Environment

How you ever looked at your physical environment (architecture, design, room layout, etc.) and asked yourself what the environment says about your organization? Is there a disconnect between the stated goal of networking and the physical environment to accomplish it? Is there a disconnect between the stated goal of collaboration and the physical environment?

This applies to not only the physical environment, but to the virtual environment as well. Technology tools and web environments that are difficult to use or interface with impact the PNLCs ability to accomplish its goals.

Physical and virtual environments must enhance and encourage collaboration, not hinder it.

6. Collaborative Chaos

Evan Rosen describes “collaborative chaos” as the, “…unstructured exchange of ideas to create value. While order encourages predictable results, collaborative chaos allows the unexpected to happen and generate rich returns.”

The nature of the Professional Networked Learning Collaborative is that the team can learn, improve, create, and innovate because they are networked. The network provides access to many more minds and the cognitive diversity of the network can create unexpected results and unexpected value for the PNLC.

7. Constructive Confrontation

Constructive confrontation is simply challenging, respond, exploring differences, disagreeing, or even attacking the idea. Not the person.

8. Communication

The PNLC must have good communication is both the physical and virtual realms. The “networked” aspect allows for collaboration to occur regardless of geography through the use of various technology collaboration platforms.

Professionals must use their best listening and understanding skills when face-to-face. Professionals must also understand that the technology collaboration platforms may not allow for non-verbal cues. PNLC members must anticipate this and be prepared to clear up miscommunications.

9. Community

Community is the shared interest in seeing goals accomplished and the trust in each other as professionals. The new community of the PNLC is the collaborative, which brings many more people and personalities to the table. It is important that all involved understand the goal of improving knowledge and increasing effectiveness.

10. Value

The value of the PNLC is accomplishing common goals. When common goals are achieved there is a value to the educational organization. When the educational organization achieves value from the PNLC the organization is able convert this value into increasing student achievement. The ultimate value of the PNLC and the 10 elements of collaboration is the benefit to students. 

Because value is what the Professional Networked Learning Collaborative (PNLC) is all about...

“Educators working together in the ongoing purpose of increasing student learning while sharing physical space, virtual space, or both simultaneously. The Professional Networked Learning Collaborative operates according to the values of ICE³: Imagination, Innovation, Inquiry, Collaboration, Creativity, Curiosity, Exploration, Experimentation, and Entrepreneurship.” 

Comments

[Jerome Breche]

This is a very interesting and thought-provoking article.

I found that considering these 10 elements when the network is physically disconnected geographically was particularly challenging but equally relevant.

Regards,
Jerome.

[Rob Jacobs]

Jerome,

I agree. We are used to considering these elements when face-to-face, but the challenge as you point out will be to develop these cultural elements when collaborators do not have are limited to web cameras, voice, or text.