Lesson 13

Cooperative Learning with the Computer

 

CONTENT

Cooperative or collaborative learning is learning by small students who work together in a common learning task. Five elements are needed to be a truly cooperative learning

-Common goal

-Interdependence

-Interaction

-Individual accountability, and 

-Social skills

Cooperative learning and the computer

Studies show that when students work with the computers in groups, they cluster and interact with each other for advice and mutual help. And given the option to work individually or in a group, the students generally wish to work together in computer-based and non-computer-based activities. 

Components of cooperative learning

Educators are still wary about the computer’s role in cooperative learning. Teachers should have tasks in order to ensure collaborative learning. Assigning a common work goal will help each member to realize that their group will not succeed unless everyone contributes to the group’s success. These are:

1.    Assigning students to mixed-ability terms

2.    Establishing positive interdependence

3.    Teaching cooperative social skills

4.    Insuring individual accountability

5.    Helping groups process information