Collaboration Options

In this course there are several collaborative opportunities. For each opportunity you may choose any of the options listed below for the technical delivery of your finished product.

For any collaboration option, headphones are strongly encouraged!

Live Collaboration Option

In this option you and a partner or partners will work together as a team to satisfy the performance requirements for your collaborative opportunity by participating in a live Elluminate session hosted by your instructor.

Setting up Elluminate for live collaboration:

• Audio output should be set to your headphones. If you use speakers as output, that will mix with your audio input and cause feedback and/or echos.
• Audio input can be set to an internal mic, standing mic, or a mix of direct input for the guitar and headset.  Your guitar must be heard over the mic, but you will also need to speak to communicate with your collaborative partners.
• Show up early to your session for a sound check! Be sure to check your mic and output levels at the start of your session to ensure proper volume.

You will submit the date of your live collaboration and your answers to the reflective questions listed for your collaboration option.

Recorded Collaboration Option

This is more technically challenging than the live option, but if you are interested in learning to use audio mixing software, or already know how, this is an option to consider. In this option you and a partner or partners will satisfy the performance requirements for your collaborative opportunity by recording, sharing, and mixing audio files using the free software Audacity or other audio editors.

• Choose your roles.
• One player starts the collaboration by recording his or her piece and sending the necessary files to his or her partner. If the roles are Rhythm and Lead, it is suggested that Rhythm initiate the collaboration.
• The next player uses the first audio file as a foundation to record a second track.
• If necessary, repeat this process with roles reversed.

You will submit your answers to the reflective questions for your collaboration option, and a link to the audio file or attach a compressed audio file to your submission.

Other Collaborative Options

If you would like to explore more options, there are many 21st century tools available for effective collaboration and communication in the online environment.  For more information on tools your school uses, please contact your instructor or visit the Web 2.0 tools area.