Computer Assisted Collaborative Learning

Collaborative Learning

• What is Collaborative Learning?• Why does CL help learners?• How is CL used in CACL?• How do I assess CA?• How do I set up CA in Bb?

What is Collaborative Learning?

Collaborative learning is an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves groups of learners working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product. Collaborative learning is based on the idea that learning is a naturally social act in which the participants talk among themselves. It is through the talk that learning occurs(National Institute for Science Education)

Why does CL help learners?

Reduce the feeling of isolation that can come with distance education. If web-based courses provide learners with effective interaction, then they possess all the benefits that a course could possibly have – flexibility convenience, and quality (Chang, 2009)

Revision 1 (2006)

Theorists• A more recent position that rejects the mechanistic

elements of previous learning theories• Contributors included:

Dewey (Education is growth, not an end in itself; education occurs though it’s connection to real life)

Piaget (Children construct reality through four phases of development)

Vygotsky (Learning as a social process) Bruner (Discovery Learning)

Computer Communication Synchronous Vs. Asynchronous

Many students don’t have a schedule that affords them the opportunity for face-to-face classes.Many studies indicate that online student achievement is comparable to F2F classes.Some studies indicate that students learn more in online classes with some synchronous components.(Sitzmann, Ely & Wisher, 2004)

Synchronous Tools

• Chat• Virtual Classroom• Elluminate (can be recorded)

Asynchronous Tools

• Email• Discussion Board• Blogs• Wikis• Journals

Email Best Pracrtices

• Only for personal communication – all class questions direct to the discussion board.

Discussion Boards