Email Correspondence: MVE Project
Date: Sat,
7 Oct 2000 16:40:25 -0500
From: lynne_devitt@ndsu.nodak.edu
Subject: Collaboration vs. cooperation vs. plagiarism
Yancey and Sponner's discussion on Collaboration was quite interesting. I actually
remember situations mimicing the first vingette. Unfortunately, for the student,
situations like the first are quite detrimental. Unfortunately, too many instructors
do not give their students a chance to collaborate, for fear of cheating. Of course,
just by discussing a work, students are not cheating. In fact, they are most likely
learning more in an intimate discussion than they did in the classroom.
The distinctions made between collaboration and cooperation are interesting, as
well. Collaboration is social productivity. Cooperation is less intellectual,
as rather than a gathering of minds, it is a compilation of individual, finished
products. Here, students are still isolated in their own ideas, unable to combine
ideas, only projects.
The difficult part of collaboration, of course, is a mindset of credit. Who "owns"
this piece of work? In this sense, in order to collaborate, you must be willing
to share credit, and, in a sense, give up an individuality that has always seemed
essential in writing. It is similar to politics. As people begin campaigning,
they focus on their part of an accomplishment, rather than credit the collective
mind, collaboration, as being the reason that something got done. Instead, an
individual collaborative mind deserves the accolades.
But, in collaboration, are we losing identity? I can't help but think that there
is an identity loss, but it will be for the common good (hopefully).
Over all, the article was quite interesting, and I am looking forward to the other
two readings.
Another thought...
Last night I went to the Minnesota Opera's traveling version of "The Barber of
Seville." As a lover of opera, I was quite certain that I would not like it. There
would be no orchestra, no chorus, and the setting would not compare to an opera
house. After having a wonderful time, I couldn't help but compare this to these
ideas we have been clamoring with in class. While the opera was not the Opera,
it was great. The vocalists were absolutely incredible. The scenery was innovative.
The pianist was astonishing. The crowd, however, was the most impressive. This
traveling opera had people coming from everywhere.
Isn't that what some are doing with technology and English? They are making it
accessible, and they are simply showing their talent in a different format. So,
I am coming around:)
Lynne
Next-->
E-mail
Conversations, Academic
Conversations, The
Main Menu