Research Collaboration Blog

While we often think of research collaboration as conducted via the Internet, stand-alone computers can enhance face-to-face collaboration. EU-funded research initiatives called LEAD shows that students can solve problems, master subject matter, and learn to collaborate more effectively when specific software tools enhance their face-to-face communication. Individual learning and problem solving alone do not prepare students adequately for the interactive and collaborative settings they will encounter later in life. The primary software tool created by the LEAD team called CoFFEE, for Collaborative Face to Face Educational Environment, is freely available as open-source software, installed easily on any local area network. Because CoFFEE is designed to foster communication and problem solving in class rather than learning at a distance, it does not require an internet link (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090525134153.htm). To be effective, researchers, like students, need to be capable of working with a variety of computer-enhanced tools. A mark of excellent researchers is the ability to weave an efficient web of tools. Further excellent researchers should be vigilant in spotting new technologies and software which can foster a collaborative environment.