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"Collaborative learning is a type of learning where a group of people pool their resources and attempt to learn together. Even if the "group" is just two people working together, collaborative strategies can help to stimulate interesting debate and allow learners to discover a new perspective on material. Many educators are now turning to collaborative learning strategies to help their students to learn. Here are 10 of the best collaborative learning tools available on the web today."

In April 2012, Softlink conducted the third annual Australian School Library Survey. This paper outlines the findings from the 2012 Softlink School Library Survey into Australian school library budgets, qualified staffing levels and NAPLAN literacy results. Principal findings from the 2012 Softlink Australian School Library Survey include:  There is a positive relationship between well-resourced libraries and higher student literacy outcomes  School library resourcing is inconsistent across school type (primary, secondary, P-12) and education provider (Government, Catholic, Independent)  The majority of school libraries had no change in budgets in the past 12 months  Very few school libraries received additional resources for implementing the National Curriculum  Staffing levels remained unchanged for the majority of school libraries during the past 12 months  There is a strong intention to purchase eBooks in the coming year  Mobile technology (iPod, iPad, smart phone and tablet) use by students is widespread across all school types and education providers and is having a greater impact on the role of the school library  Access to resources outside of the library is considered important by 75% of teacher librarians  80% of all teacher librarians understand the need to integrate with their Learning Management System but only 43% have done so  Teacher Librarians see opportunities to remain relevant and current to staff and students through embracing eBooks and mobile technology  Challenges continue to be: gaining funding, finding a balance between the physical and digital collection, collaboration with teaching staff and the recognition of Teacher Librarian's skills and their evolving role The outcomes from the 2012 survey again show the correlation between school library budgets and literacy levels. This link between funding and literacy is an issue facing schools and their libraries worldwide.

Objectives *Create a community of professional friends to share best practices in a relaxing and creative environment *Identify OPI and other information literacy resources *Access and use digital resources for personal and professional purposes *Integrate appropriate resources into standards-based instructional units and lessons to increase rigor and promote student engagement *Collaborate with colleagues to plan, present and evaluate units and lesson plans