Students in this course will develop a comprehensive perspective on knowledge networks and collaboration, and the strategic role they play in helping organizations become more effective. Tangible steps related to exploring, developing, and operating effective models of collaboration will be created. An analysis of teamwork, consensus, conflict management, and trust building will also occur.
Students will learn how to effectively network and collaborate within their work or ministry. Workplaces today are placing more emphasis on their employees collaborating when needed, yet also having solitary time.
Working together is essential in an interconnected 21st century. However, effective collaborations are not easy to create or to sustain. Students will evaluate the benefits of networking and collaborating, as well as analyze best practices.
Collaboration involves working together in community. Students will help each other, engage in shared activities, and exchange information. The building of relationships enables them to learn from each other.
Working together is God's idea. God lives in community with others and an individuals' potential is realized in relationship with others. God created all to trust and work in unity with him, and to join him in what he is doing in the world.
Past work paradigms were about pioneering, resources, and strategy. 21st century paradigms are about partnering, relationships, and synergy. Students will evaluate aspects of their communities which could be transformed through collaboration, then create an appropriate network.
Individualistic and separatist cultures make working together challenging, if not almost impossible. Students will analyze ways in which cultural differences can impact working together, and identify ways to minimize the differences and maximize multi-cultural understanding.
Students will work together to create a collaboration that has the potential to meet an identified personal need.
Students will engage in collaborative learning through activities, group projects, networking events, and creation of resources related to networks and collaboration.
