Cooperative and Collaborative Learning

This is the third in a series of articles which I discuss the strategies and benefits of collaborative learning. The process of learning can be enhanced through collaboration. Learning in groups via a networking medium develops learning strategies and increases the flow of creative ideas. Implementing the latest technology can assist educators for this process.

The "National Educational Technology Standards (NETS.T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers" stress creative, collaborative means for educating students through virtual models (www.iste.org). Computer-based collaborative learning can be most effective. A network system which supports students and teachers alike is an on-going development. Computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) supports educational efforts through collaborative means (www.edb.utexas.edu/csclstudent/Dhsiao/theories.html). Computer-based collaborative learning has grown out of the need for improving communication and productivity in the business world. Computer supported collaborative work (CSCW) is a network system which supports groups with a common task within a business. The difference between these two systems are: CSCW (business) focuses on communication techniques (how to disperse information between groups) while CSCL deals primarily with the information being communicated (how to deliver the educational information effectively). These two network systems similar. CSCW is setup primarily for the daily tasks of a business and is more of a "fixed" network system whereas the CSCL is more flexible in order to adapt to the individual or group needs. Both of these systems enhance group dynamics by sharing creative ideas and problem-solving strategies. Although computer-based collaboration increases the sharing of information, strategies and ideas, it does not replace the inspiration motivation a teacher can provide through classroom interaction.

Collaborative learning allows students to explore and apply new material presented in lecture by the teacher ("What is Collaborative Learning?" by Barbara Leigh Smith and Jean T. MacGregor). Although this can be accomplished in groups within a classroom, computer-based collaboration facilitates this free-flow of ideas between multiple groups of students that only a networking system can provide. New material is dissected and reorganized by several students at a time through the networking process. From an educator's perspective, collaborative learning places more emphasis on the designing of learning experiences and less on the mere transmission of information. Teacher create and design a learning experience using technology as a tool.