dynamic exploration
	problem-solving opportunities
	inquiry
	collaboration
	media manipulation
	knowledge building

Make sure you take a bearing before you get started!  This backgrounder will provide you with enough information to make an informed decision prior to joining an existing project or will help you design a successful project .

	Common Planning Elements All Internet based collaborative learning educational projects have some common planning elements. With all projects, whether it involves joining an existing one or creating a new one, preparation is the key to a successful project and must include:
	consulting with the co-ordinator at the "other end"; the instructor or managers of a project, keypal service, on-line mentorship or the single educator requesting an interaction with other students.(in the case of existing projects)
	defining the nature of the task (goals, objectives, vision, outcomes).
	outlining the necessary standards for successful operation of the tasks (training, hardware, software, timelines, time management, alternative delivery, "crisis" strategies).
	creating the "situation" for learning (setting the stage, providing basic skills, opportunities for collaboration, action and reflection).
	managing/supporting the interactions (facilitating, problem-solving, inspiring, interceding where necessary).
	planning for assessment (rubric, oral evaluation, final product, report, instructor's analysis, conferencing with telementor).

Project Design Links

Some excellent Internet resources exist which give many insights into the design process for a collaborative learning project.  We suggest the following excellent resources:

1.	Nick Nacks  - Developing a Telecollaboration
	http://www1.minn.net:80/~schubert/LeadNet.html A very thorough step-by step description of planning and implementing a project.  Lots of useful links are included as well.
2.	How to Design a Successful Project
	http://www.gsn.org/teach/articles/design.project.html "The Global SchoolNet Foundation has evolved a number of guidelines and principles which have led to many successful collaborative projects involving hundreds of classrooms and thousands of students. Like many aspects of successful teaching, we have found that planning is the key to success". (page introduction)
3.	Designing Resource Based Projects that Use the Internet
	http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/edu/RSE/RSEviolet/RSEviolet.html An excellent resource, designed by a teacher-librarian who has thoroughly researched the "how" and the "why" of Internet project design.
4.	EduPlace - Creating On-Line Projects
	http://www.eduplace.com/projects/how2.html Included are some basic helpful hints to consider when posting collaborative projects to the Internet.
5.	Guidelines for Collaborative Projects
	http://etrc33.usl.edu/k12act/collab/guidelines.html This resource is from the Louisiana State Challenge Activities for the K-12 Classroom
6	Organizing and Facilitating Telecollaborative Projects - by Judi Harris
	http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/Mining/February95-TCT.html An article from the Computing Teacher by Judi Harris, a recognized authority in the area of collaborative learning projects.
7.	SchoolNet's GrassRoots Projects - Teacher Toolkit
	http://www.schoolnet.ca/grassroots/e/project.centre/toolkit/index.html SchoolNet provides you with a set of articles discussing the elements of good project design and implementation. As well, you can post projects to the site.
8.	Educational Network Project Planning Assistant
	http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/Network-project-guide/index.html The authors of this article outline project development in 5 stages including: The Proposal, Refinement , Organization , Pursuit , Wrap-Up, and Publication.

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