The conference was part of a block entitled Collaborate to learn: network in the different disciplines/areas of the Quebec School Training Program. It was led by France Boisjoly, educational advisor at the Sommets School Service Center (CSSDS) and educational coordinator at the Network School (ÉER). The presentation document is available online as well as the recording.
The importance of network collaboration
One of the main benefits highlighted during the conference is the opportunity to create authentic communication situations, both written and oral, thanks to interclass collaboration. By pairing several classes remotely, students are encouraged to share their thoughts, their interpretations and to co-construct ideas, which stimulates their critical thinking and strengthens their language skills. This process makes it possible to enrich the understanding of the texts read and to deepen the appreciation of literary works through exchanges between peers, while developing collective intelligence within the participating classes.
The use of collaborative writing tools, such as the Knowledge Forum used by the Network School, also promotes constructive feedback. Students learn to work together to improve their written productions while developing a culture of collaboration.
Literary networks… networked!
The concept of literary networks was presented during the conference. This allows students to work from groupings of literary works on common themes. According to the testimonies of the teachers present, this practice leads to better exploitation of the four dimensions of reading (interpretation, reaction, appreciation and comprehension).
For example, the appreciation work can be pushed further while the teacher determines the order in which the works will be covered in class. “This should be a conscious and non-random choice that allows students to develop their understanding of texts. They can compare works with each other and each becomes a basis for building subsequent interpretations,” explained the facilitator.
Literary networks can be used by teachers in their classrooms. Sharing interpretations in an interclass context becomes a “beneficial element”. Students then feed on comments from other classes, which strengthens their understanding and critical judgment, leading them to consider other points of view.
Examples of activities with literary networks:
Concrete examples of collaborative activities
Several examples of educational activities were presented during the conference. Among these, “I practice my French” is a project which was carried out last year and which brought together French classes. The students, through reading and oral communication activities, exchanged virtually on common subjects, which allowed them to quickly learn French. They felt less embarrassed expressing themselves with peers with a similar language level to theirs. The activity even concluded with an in-person meeting for certain participating classes.
Various network reading circle activities were also put forward. For example, works like Tintin au Tibet or The Legendaries are used in interclass debates, where students discuss the structure and characters, in addition to discussing the themes addressed in the stories. These networked exchanges enrich the depth of discussions and allow students to go beyond their first reading impression.
The power of peer feedback
Collaborative writing, for its part, is seen as an essential skill to develop in networked classes. Activities such as writing relay stories or collective writing are offered in certain activities in the ÉER programming. “Collaborative writing facilitates mutual assistance and the sharing of complementary skills among students, in order to produce higher quality texts. »
Moreover, peer feedback is becoming another key aspect of collaboration in writing projects. Students are encouraged to comment on and improve the texts of others. This dynamic allows you to develop argumentative skills, as illustrated in the sequence of activities The Werewolf of Kamouraskawhere students must construct a collective argument based on historical artifacts.
ERA activities that you could sign up for with your class:
Further reading on learning French online:
Watch or rewatch the conference
To see or rewatch the workshops presented during this day and consult the presentation documents, click HERE
To consult the complete program of the ÉER conference, click here.
Event badge
Participants can collect an event badge to attest to their participation in this 22nd Network School conference, on the CADRE21 website.
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