Computer Assisted Collaborative
Learning
Collaborative Learning
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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)
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)
Revision 1 (2006)
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
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Email
Discussion Board
Blogs
Wikis
Journals
Email Best Pracrtices
• Only for personal communication – all class
questions direct to the discussion board.
Discussion Boards