Language, Communication and Virtual Collaboration (Graham Jones)

Language, Communication and Virtual Collaboration (Graham Jones)

I’m going to be talking about an experimental project called SkypeRead, which brings non-native English-speakers – from all over the world – together in Skype group calls to do read-throughs of movie scripts. The aim is to improve communication and teamwork skills.

This is an article about the project in Business Review Europe:
http://www.businessrevieweurope.eu/business_leaders/cross-border-business-teams-and-the-entertainment-sector

And this is our latest ‘experiment’, which is being targeted at cross-border teams of scientists and engineers:
http://tensentences.com/2014/06/19/the-most-thrilling-and-realistic-depiction-of-deep-space-travel-since-2001/

In my presentation, I’m going to be focussing on two maxims: emotion drives learning and collaboration boosts levels of cognition.

Hi Graham!

Fantastic topic. Looking forward to seeing this!
Robert

Hello Graham,

that's good to see, that you will talk about this great experience of reading together across borders! I did enjoy it very much!

See you soon!

Gabriela was an INCREDIBLE Buzz Lightyear in our first “Toy Story” pilot study last year!

Actually, Gabriela completely saved the day. One of our participants cancelled at the last minute, and so we suddenly had an urgent need for a non-native, non-Japanese English-speaker. So I called Gabriela and said “Hey, it’s Graham here from FAB4. Would you like to be Buzz Lightyear in a Skype group call?” And – amazingly, and wonderfully – she didn’t hang up the phone! She said “OK”!

Once again, Gabriela: THANK YOU.

This sounds like such an interesting topic, Graham!

I totally want to be in on the next one.I like doing voices.

karlene99, we would LOVE to have you in on the next one!! :-)

This is a link to a YouTube video of my pecha-kucha:
http://tensentences.com/2014/07/25/language-emotion-and-social-connection/

I have never in my life heard anyone do a  pecha kucha with as good timing as Graham.  It was amazing.  His voice too. Sent me into the Ether.  I do not mean to detract from the great content as well, which was fascinating, but this guy is a voice star.

His timing.  Amazing.  My own timing is always off.  That is one reason I have so many kids.

LOL @ Curtis Kelly!! But he is right. Graham's presentation was on the money. Even when you watch it again with just the voice, is on the money. Graham is just...well... MONEY!

Thanks ever so much Curits and Karlene. You guys are way, way, way too nice!

I’d be really interested to know if anyone has any evidence – anecdotal or otherwise – either for or against the idea that STEM practitioners lack “some of the broader behavioural skills” such as “teamworking” and “communication”.

I actually have a friend and she has a PhD in Math. She currently teaches and works at LSU. She's very outgoing, has hobbies outside of work like choral singing and and playing the flute. She even does solitary crafts like knitting. She's also very active in her son's life. I wonder if in their formative years did they have outside interests. Maybe by having outside interests might be the key to having stronger communication skills with others.

Thanks, Karlene! :-)