Online Shared Learning is known by several different terms:

• telecollaboration
• online collaborative learning
• networked Project-Based Learning
• multi-cultural interpersonal exchanges
• telecomputing...  and other definitions

Online Shared Learning is a variation of project-based learning, with the added dimension of involving two or more groups or classes of students in geographically diverse locations working together. Because of distance, students use a variety of online and traditional communications media (email, CU-SeeMe, national postal services, fax, couriers (AKA "sneaker net"), etc.) in order to accomplish the shared project mission. Students exchange data, original writing, surveys, analysis and evaluation, conclusions, final reports, documents, products, and other information... including a great deal of email and other correspondence among the project participants. 

A project can be as simple as a Travel Buddy Exchange between two classes or a more complex data collection and analysis project such as the Signs of Spring Project that could involve numerous classes. Other examples can be found at the Global Schoolhouse (e.g., Projects Registry, Newsday, CyberFair and others), iEARN, and Co-nect. (Also see Virtual Architecture: Designing and Directing Curriculum-Based Projects.) It also includes projects that generate collaboration between student authors and their audience, such as CyberFair and ThinkQuest programs.

Sometimes project partners may include other members of the community, such as senior citizens, professional or scientific experts, college students, and others who may mentor or advise or otherwise make significant contributions to the project.

This definition does not include

• Distance learning
• Online courses
• Webquests
• simple pen-pal projects

Please review the Award FAQ for additional information.