Computer support in collaborative learning
Collaborative learning has potential benefits for education. Meanwhile, collaborative learning also has a number of challenges such as in coordinating and monitoring the collaborative learning process. Can computers play certain roles in addressing these challenges? The computer as a computing tool is not good at thinking or problem solving. But it is a fast-speed and powerful tool for calculating, storing and retrieving information, and also for communication. In terms of supporting collaborative learning or addressing the challenges in collaborative learning, the computer is good at the following aspects:
What is computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL)? CSCL is an interdisciplinary research field focusing on how collaborative learning, supported by technology, can enhance peer interaction and work in groups, and how collaboration and technology facilitate sharing and distributing knowledge and expertise among community members (Lipponen, Hakkarainen & Paavola, 2004). CSCL is also a field of study centrally concerned with meaning and the practices of meaning-making in the context of joint activity, and the ways in which these practices are mediated through designed artifacts (Stahl, Koschmann, & Suthers, 2006). Refer to the following article for the concept of CSCL. Download the file ![]()
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Many existing ICT tools can be used to support collaborative learning. Click on the following link and explore the tools listed in the category of 'collaborative learning'. You may also add tools that are not listed on the trello web site.
https://trello.com/b/GjqZJYyT/ict-tools Share a specific tool that is particularly useful for collaborative learning in your teaching context in the following comments area.
10 Comments
R Vishunu
3/14/2018 05:12:09 pm
In collaborative learning, the implementation of ICT, allows the teacher to focus on specific students’ needs and on specific characteristics of teaching. Students would also be very much optimistic to utilize their digital literacy skills to collaborate with online tools to brainstorm ideas and synthesize them into a finished product. In addition to this, it also provides opportunities for students to ask questions and create a continuous dialogue with the teacher to discuss specific aspects of the subject and solve any possible doubts in hand.
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3/15/2018 01:05:43 pm
When we adopt the use of CSCL, we must also focus on the design of social technology. The technology used in CSCL must be specially designed to facilitate and mediate social activities. Through these social activities, learning will take place.
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Huimin
3/16/2018 05:57:31 pm
Hi
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Carian Tham
3/16/2018 11:00:10 pm
In my opinion, CSCL is a useful platform for collaborative learning to take place.
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Carian Tham
3/16/2018 11:01:25 pm
Sorry, please ignore the above comment!
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Manickam Sumathi
3/17/2018 06:03:56 pm
CSCL supports socioemotional processes and fosters social integration among students . Students need to be in a safe environment whereby differing views can be voiced and respected so that the students can learn from one another, in completing a task. In CSCL, the focus is on meaning making among the learners and this can be achieved by scaffolding students talk. In CSCL, the students need conversational skills for effective social interaction. Effective social interaction does not happen just because technology enables it. Students need to possess conversation skills to effectively collaborate. This is essential to be able to understand each other's perspectives and has to be a consideration on the educator's part in planning a CSCL lesson. The students have to be taught how to carry out this dialogue with their peers to enhance the collaboration.
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Melissa Sin
3/18/2018 11:44:36 pm
With the onset of globalization, people are dealing with increasingly complex tasks which require capabilities exceeding that of individual minds (Stahl, 2010). Additionally, it is argued that group diversity in terms of knowledge understanding and experiences contributes positively to the learning process (Vygotsky, 1978). These factors converge to place pressing need on the use of CL. Coupled with information explosion due to technology, the dimensions brought to bear on learning is too much for traditional methods of pen-and-paper to capture; it is best supported in ways as afforded by computers i.e. Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL). Furthermore, the convenience of technology and the Internet allows for collaboration to take place anytime anywhere (that has data connectivity) and if allowed, with anyone. This is especially useful for online distance learning, and for work in MNCs where team members are not necessarily located in the same country. In education, this would ensure learning can also take place even during times of emergency and young learners are requested to remain indoors.
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Pamela Low
3/20/2018 06:14:13 pm
I have learnt that CSCL refers differently from the other learning sciences domains as it mainly focuses on the collaborative learning between the learners and how technological tools can maximize its affordances to foster such a collaborative learning. However, without fully understanding what CSCL entails, a lot of educators tend to mistakenly conflate CSCL with e-learning (motivated by the economies of scale), hoping that a collaborative learning space would germinate from the technology-focused platform that they have placed their students in. It is important that educators do not mistaken CSCL as e-learning and instead of focusing on content delivery, educators should look in depth into how the content and the medium used in the classroom can stimulate cognitive development within the learners.
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K Pavitra
3/9/2019 04:09:01 pm
One of the main takeaways I learnt was the distinction between cooperative learning and collaborative learning and the different ICT tools we can use to support collaborative learning.Collaborative learning is a situation in which two or more people learn or attempt to learn something together(Dillenbourg,1999).Cooperative Learning is the instructional use of small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning(Johnson,Johnson & Smith,2013).I feel that collaborative learning is good to help students to think deeply about a problem or situation given and it helps them to communicate effectively in smaller groups.It is used greatly in teaching and learning whereas cooperative learning helps students to achieve better understanding of the concepts and work to complete a task well. At times,we do use the terms interchangeably and they do work hand in hand when we plan activities in our classroom.Our students would need to engage in active discussions and leverage on one another’s skills to learn.They would also need to take on different roles to achieve a common goal.
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sarah
3/13/2019 11:28:21 pm
In my opinion, CSCL is demanding but powerful if used well. Not only must learners work online, either synchronously or asynchronously, they must also develop individual learning and enhance group cognition and build group knowledge. Too often, computer tools are often cooperative in nature, where users develop a "divide-and-conquer" mentality to get the work completed. In CSCL, however, learners are required to work collaboratively, help each other to construct knowledge. CSCL requires all learners to play an active role and reduces the presence of free-loaders as the online contributions may be recorded in logs. The logs help teachers to make an informed view of the contributions of the group members, which in turn helps the teachers to identify learners with learning needs and closing the gaps.
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