So what are they? They are critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. Each one of these, along with knowing the content, are essential for succeeding in any
class at any level, and for receiving a high grade on this project.
First lets look at collaboration. You may ask the question, like I did at first, as to what is the difference between collaboration and communication. From the dictionary, here is the definition of collaboration: "the action of working with someone to produce or create something". How well do you work with others is essential in today's world. Think of all the different ways people collaborate. Whether it is on systems, or engineering, or working in a parish, or creating computer software, you must be able to take your ideas and work with a team to make them fruitful. Think of Apple products. You have the iCloud, working with the iPhone, which works with the iPad and the iTV. These work with the iOS. The ecosystem of Apple is huge. All those things must work together to make a seamless product. The people behind the products also must be able to work together to build the device in a way in which it is desirable. In this project, you are being graded and assessed on how well you work with your partner. Are you the dominate player who takes over the project? Are you the one who does nothing. Do you both work together to make your project better, or are you two individuals trying to glue together your two individual aspects of a project?
What about communication? This is similar and connected to collaboration, but a bit different, and just as essential. Are you able to tell your partner your ideas first of all, and secondly, are you able to communicate your ideas in a way in which your partner and the audience understands. Here you are graded on a few aspects of communications. Can you communicate with your partner? I think we should do this, or do that. I think that you need to help me in this way. I should be doing this part, you doing that part. Your idea here is great, but you can make it better. Lets look up this part of your post. Your post is weak. Here is what you can do to make it better. Let me add to your post this this and this so that we can have a more professional and content rich blog. Do you allow your partner to simply do his thing while you do yours, or are you able to communicate together so that you know how your project can grow, advance, and become better.
You are also graded on how well you are able to communicate your ideas and the content (Church's teaching) to your audience. Are you speaking on terms that go way beyond the intellectual capacity of your audience? Are you writing to teenagers but writing posts that are more geared towards 7 year olds? These are major aspects of communication. Are you able to effectively communicate all the information, your ideas and the correct level of competence to your audience.
Creativity is an aspect that should be easy to figure out. Are you simply creating a project that barely even follows the instructions? Is your project simply the basics and nothing more. Are you and your partner able to create something through an imaginative process that takes your further? This is the main question to ask. You will be assessed on your ability to go beyond the basics into something greater. Watch the video above to get an idea of the 4 Cs in action.
Lastly, critical thinking, I find to be most important. Are you able to understand? Are you able to think through the process? Are you able to figure out more than just the memorized basic facts? Are you able to recreate and explain how it all works? Are you able to think on your feet, figure things out, and comprehend all things? This fits into your actual blog and in the posts you pump out. Are your posts the basics, or are they a show of critical thinking. This is where you will be assessed in your ability to critically think...the depth and insight you exhibit in your posts.
Put all these together, and let me be the first to welcome you into the age of the 21st century. This is your project. These are things you will be assessed on. Fly, rather than just putter on the ground.
Peace,
Mr. Cole
