9456 Designing Computer Support for Collaborative Learning
Description:
Students examine theoretical bases for using collaboration and social interaction as methods for learning, and explore key functions and approaches for using computers for collaborative learning. Through the use of readings, examples, activities, and discussions the class will build an understanding of the foundations and applications of computer supported collaborative learning. Through participation in a project and online debate, class members will experience working as active and contributing members of an online class and knowledge-building community.
Objectives: Students will...
- Understand the theoretical foundations of collaborative learning and CSCL
- Understand the benefits and limitations of CSCL
- Know the major organizations, projects, and products in CSCL
- Critically evaluate research studies and applications of CSCL
- Demonstrate competency in working as an active and contributing member of an online class and knowledge-building environment
- Find, analyze, and share knowledge of CSCL resources, tools, and research
- Reflect upon your experience in a CSCL environment, learning about CSCL and contributing to a knowledge-building community
- Design, implement and evaluate a design project in CSCL
Assignments:
- Participated in a team debate on the primary goal of instruction (interaction vs. subject matter)
- Expound on personal collaborative experiences, and indentify key components of those experiences and compare them within a group
- Design a collaborative lesson plan and implement it in a authentic situation
- Example
The final project was for students to work in teams that designed a collaborative project. Teams would then try another team's project and provide evaluative feedback.