One of the challenges of working in a collaborative context such as P2PU is finding ways to synthesis our contributions. By drawing together the differing perspectives, experiences and ideas we can refine our thinking and gain new insights into the role that E portfolios can play in professional development.

In creating this course we have used Google docs for brainstorming ideas, sharing comments, constructing activities and tasks and negotiating a shared understanding of the course purpose and structure. Google docs is a good tool for building collaborative engagement and facilitating synthesis. Other useful tools are:

1. Mindmapping tools eg Mindomo, Bubblus

2. Wikispaces

3. Online noticeboards eg Wallwisher

4. MS Word - you can use the ready made symbols and shapes

Task 1 What other tools have you used to synthesis information and ideas? How effective were they?

Task 2 Option : Select a new tool and experiment with synthesising this weeks discussions. Share your synthesis with the group and tell us anything you have learnt in doing this activity.

Task 3 Option : Using an online tool create a collaborative experience in which some participants could jointly construct a shared synthesis. Use our P2Pu group to experiment with your idea.