Students can make use of technology to facilitate these processes. They can act as research scientists verifying hypotheses through data collection and analysis. They can work in the field with portable technology such as camcorders and laptop computers. As the world becomes increasingly interrelated and interaction across cultures becomes more commonplace, people will need to develop skills that will enable them to work together effectively. Competitive attitudes will be seen as counterproductive, and collaboration will be necessary to get the job done efficiently.
Students can benefit from collaborative approaches to learning.
Working in small groups helps students develop the social interaction skills that will make them productive workers in the work setting of the future. This interaction enables students to learn from each other in ways no teacher could ever hope to duplicate. Group work also promotes democratic principles. Decisions and group direction are based on equal participation and consensus from all members. Group work also develops a sense of responsibility to others as each group member depends on others to accomplish group goals.