Lesson 13: Cooperative Learning with the Computer

Cooperative or collaborative learning  is learning by small groups of students who work together with a common learning task. It has these five (5) elements:

       1.)    Common goal

       2.)    Interdependence

       3.)    Interaction

       4.)    Individual accountability

       5.)    Social skills

                Several studies revealed that cooperative learning in its true sense is advantageous since it;

v  Encourages active learning, while it motivates students.

v  Increases academic performance.

v  Promotes literacy and language skills.

v  Improves teacher effectiveness.

                Studies have been conducted to know the interaction between students and computer. Before these studies were conducted, many believed that computers may foster students learning in isolation that hinders the development of students’ social skills. Results of the study revealed that the previous statement was inarguably false! Studies tell us that when students work with computers in groups, they cluster and interact with each other for advice and mutual help.

                To ensure collaborative learning, teachers should:

ü       Assign students to mixed ability teams.

ü       Establish positive interdependence.

ü       Teach cooperative social skills.

ü     Insure individual accountability.

ü       Help the group process the information.

ü       Limit the group number (6 is ideal)

ü       Assign a common work goal