Collaboration is essential in order for this style of learning to be successful. This calls for collaboration between the teacher and students as they decide what and how they are going to study. However, many schools have proven that if the students are truly knowledge workers and they have taken part in the design of learning, testing will show their grasp of concepts and problem solving. Collaboration must also exist outside of the classroom. Teachers need to share knowledge and resources now more than ever before.
Schools can no longer afford to have long hallways with closed doors.
The Internet also allows teachers to collaborate with their colleagues throughout other districts, states, and nations. This creates plenty of jobs to be assigned to team members. The teacher becomes a guide when these collaborations take place. However, in order for a successful learning environment to be nurtured, sufficient and appropriate professional development must take place. Collaboration in project based learning requires a new kind of professional development.