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The Collaboratory Project (http://collaboratory.nunet.net) is a Northwestern University initiative funded by State of Illinois, federal, and foundation grants that provide project consulting, training, and support to educators throughout Illinois who are interested in using the Collaboratory to improve student learning and achievement. The Collaboratory is an easy-to-use, web-based collaborative learning environment that teachers use to develop project-based activities in a framework for engaged learning that are aligned with Illinois Learning Standards.
The Collaboratory communication services (messaging, conferencing, discussion forums, invitations, calendars, and announcements) support collaboration among participants. Collaboratory Resources (Cybrary, MediaSpace, Survey Studio, Internet book Club, ePortfolio, Nexus) provide the scaffolding teachers use to develop innovative project-based curricular activities.
Each year, Illinois educators come to Northwestern University for the Collaboratory Project's Annual Symposium to share experiences and learn from each other. Videos of Symposium presentations are available from the Collaboratory Project Web site.
Free educator accounts can be requested from the Collaboratory web site. On-line eCourses and other training opportunities are available free of charge (CPDUs are available). Over 4,000 teachers in Illinois representing over 1,200 schools have accounts in the Collaboratory.
Teachers, school project teams, multi-school collaborations, and school districts interested in learning more about the Collaboratory Project and how to participate in the Collaboratory should contact the Collaboratory Project at collaboratory@northwestern.edu.
Contact Information
The Collaboratory Project, Northwestern University
1890 Maple, Suite 175, Evanston, IL 60201
collaboratory@northwestern.edu