Explore the Updated Collaborative Discussion Toolkit!
New Activities, New Features, New Look!
Dear collaborative discussion friends,
We are excited to share that we have launched the updated version of the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit. This version includes new features, a new look, and new activities. Visit our website to explore the updated toolkit.
New Features
The toolkit has several new features, including an activity key, suggested activity clusters, reflection journal prompts, and updated instructions.
Activity Key
Each activity now has an icon that shows the level of difficulty (beginner or advanced) and 2-3 icons for different characteristics of the activity. For example, some icons are related to the skills an activity supports like facilitation or listening, while others indicate if an activity can be easily modified as a warm-up exercise or for asynchronous learning. On the website page, hover over the icon to see what it is for and click on it to view the full description. The sample certificate program designs mentioned in some icon descriptions will be coming soon.
Activity Cluster
We heard your feedback. You asked us to provide examples of how to pair or cluster activities. We have provided suggested learning clusters at the end of each activity to help you further develop and explore related skills or topics.
Activity Materials Page
In addition to being included in each activity, materials like worksheets, diagrams, and surveys used in various activities can now be easily found in one place on the Activity Materials page. Use the buttons above the list to find materials by type. You can download these materials or sign in to a Google account to make a copy and modify them for your own use.
New Look
The activity pages have a new look, with an image for each activity to add some visual interest. The toolkit is a collaborative effort and you can now find the contributor’s name for each activity under its title.
Quick Look Box
Each page also now has a quick look box where you can see, at a glance, the time it takes to do each activity, the module the activity is in, a button to download the pdf and the icons for each activity.
Full Activity Description
The full description, previously found in the pdf file for each activity, is also now shown on the website page to make it more easily accessible online. The different sections like the instructions, reflection journal, practice journal, additional resources and activity cluster are included on individual tabs below the quick look box on each activity’s page. The materials included throughout the instructions for each activity are also listed together on the additional resources tab. Many activities also include facilitator tips as part of the instructions.
New Activities
The updated toolkit includes four new activities, with several more debuting over the next few weeks.
We will be highlighting these activities in future newsletters and would love to hear your feedback. So, please try out these activities and let us know what you think by rating them and adding your comments on the website.
Explore the toolkit and tell us what you think…
Upcoming Events
Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago is organizing Guanacaste 2023: The Transformational Listening Conference, from October 5 to October 7, 2023. We are excited to share that Dr. John G. Igwebuike, the founder of Guanacaste: The Lead Listening Institute, and one of our Collaborative Discussion Coaches, will be incorporating part of the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit in the conference this year. All are welcome! Learn more and register here.
The National Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation 2023 will take place from October 13-15 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Interactivity Foundation, including the Collaborative Discussion Project, will be holding sessions during this event and we look forward to seeing you there. The cost to register is $580, with a discounted rate of $300 for students. All are welcome! Learn more and register here.
We are now accepting applications for our Collaborative Discussion Coach Training NCDD Pre-Conference Workshop. Space will be limited. It will take place on October 12th, 9 am - 3 pm at the conference hotel (lunch will be provided). Learn more here. Apply here or share this link with those who might be interested.
Thank you,
Ritu Thomas & the Collaborative Discussion Team