Technology and Collaborative Learning

Using Technology to Support Collaborative Learning

Caroline Forman ED 787Product 5.1

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Outcomes

Brown & Thomas (n.d.) concluded that after surveying both online and blended setting graduate students and teachers, at three different intersections of the year, technology that provided a shared workspace was the most beneficial for fairness and efficiency. It was also noted that the teachers used their Universities Learning Management System discussion forums to support groups, by discussing feedback and check in with groups.

Recently, I met with other educators to discuss the obstacles that can occur during collaborative learning assignments, and they provided some additional resources. Padlet and Microsoft Classroom.

Tools

Yep, collaborative learning can be challenging. How can technology help?According to Brown & Thomas (n.d.) when students were surveyed, shared Google Documents was the most effective tool at helping establishing work relationships between classmates. Also, the ability to group text or communicate as a group using WhatsApp.

3-5

Are the magic numbers for number of students per group

Autonomy

Was the magic word for effective collaborative work

When surveyed, all four groups of students mentioned the impotance of autonomy to encourage effective collaboration. For example, Scager (2016) suggests allowing students to pick their own topic and/or organize their own process.

Scager (2016) identified this was the ideal size for collabarative work, noting that this maintains meaningful interaction.

Discussion

Scager, K., Boonstra, J., Peeters, T., Vulperhorst, J., & Wiegant, F.. (2016). Collaborative Learning in Higher Education: Evoking Positive Interdepence. CBE- Life Sciences Education, 15(4), ar69. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.16.07-0219

Brown, B., & Thomas, C. (n.d.). Technology Used to Support Learning in Groups. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1278423.pdf

References