Reports on a pilot study to develop collaborative projects at a distance through an online format. Students researched and developed field-based science projects; delivered them to students and other teachers through websites & wikis; and presented them through their own pod in a virtual world. Careful scaffolding of the work; required weekly reports; and shared development efforts created interesting, student-engaging projects (in most cases).

1. Eileen A. O’Connor, Ph.D. [email_address] Empire State College/ State University of NY

7. The poorest results came from the team that did not collaborate Topic & # of students Health (3) Biodiv. (2) Fish (2) Rain (3) Solar car (3) Ocean (2) River (2) Prior work w/ instructor 2 2 0 1 1 0 1 Student centered project Partial Yes Yes Yes Partial Yes Yes Collaboration effectiveness Good Good Poor Good Poor Good good Student satisfaction Good Good Varied Good Varied Good Good Instructor satisfaction OK Good OK Good Not OK Good Good Exceeded expectations Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Final report quality Good Good OK Good Not OK Good Good

12. Added: plants Second Life pod expectations were minimal, but students added more than required – from individual exploration & sharing with peers Added: rotating spheres Added: circulating fish

13. Genuine sharing, community & caring was evident; students asked relevant questions & added extending ideas – all at a distance