Collaborative Intelligence, by definition, 'is shared or group intelligence that,' is an outcome of a collboration of different individuals using their experiences to generate solutions for a common problem. [1] 

A key thought that has stayed with me this week, from the modules for Week 3, have been that in order for some of us to know that the 'best' looks like, we need to be told/exposed to a sample of the best. A study [2], aimed to understand the influence of colour media on people, found that people who had access to a colour television were more likely to dream in colour, and those who were not exposed to colour television- dreamed in black and white/ monochrone. 

This lends evidence to the thought that rather than letting one person individually problem solve to show their own intelligence (dream in black and white), exposure to variety broadens prespectives and allows an expansion of thought. Creating not only a learner, but a critical thinker.

The ideal of collaborative intelligence is also not a new concept- off the major learning theories in Instructional Design, this methodology is supported and is a part of the constructivist theory. [3]

Constructivist Learning Theories

Designing elements of collaborative intelligence into e-learning modules can, bring together lived experiences of different individuals; and more importantly, develop the social skills necessary to recognize, appreciate and leverage another's strengths in a such a way as to mutually benefit both. While this has it's uses in pedagogy, I strongly believe design should heavily incorporate collaborative intelligence strategies in adult learning- specifically leadership development, which requires leaders to show social and emotional intelligence to perform their roles well. 

How could someone incorporate activities that promote collaborative intelligence? 

1. Role Playing- share with the participant group a problem scenario and allow groups to role play solutions. Post this, a discussion to allow participants to reflect and identify common/ innovative strategies that groups used to resolve the issue. 

2. Model Company- Design a case study of a company/organisatino with multiple issues, and share it with the group who will then be responsible for organising eachother basis their experience towards solving the issues for e.g. those who have HR experiencing working together to solve for HR related issues in the case study. Allow 360 degree feedback, post the presentation of the solution at the end of the day to work as coaching notes for the participants. 

What are further ways you can think of, to promote collaborative intelligence in adult learning? 

References: 

[1]- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_intelligence

[2]- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12705505/

[3]- ICT & Constructivism: The Building Blocks of Learning in The 21st Century (interactiveflatscreens.ie)