Contents |
Hiltz (1994, p.23) defines collaborative learning as: “both teachers and learners (who) are active participants in the learning process; knowledge is not something that is ‘delivered’ to students but rather something that emerges from active dialogue among those who seek to understand and apply concepts and techniques�?.
“ Collaborative learning marshals the power of independence among peers. In formal education, similarly, students undertake open ended tasks small consensus groups, plan and carry out term-long projects in research teams, tutor one another, analyse and work out problems together and edit and revise each other research reports and term papers."(Bruffee, 1999, Preface xii) Collaboration models include consensus work groups, peer tutorials, collaborative project work, writing peer reviews and group responses to lectures.Kidd (1973,p.282) claims that there are three characteristics of a groups support a learning environment and these are a realization by the members of that group that genuine growth stems from creative power within the individual and that learning in the end is an individual matter. That there is an acceptance as a group standard that each member has the right to be different and disagree and finally that there is an establishment of a group atmosphere that is free from judgment on both the part of the teacher and group members. One of the main flaws however with collaborative groups is that these careerists are not always achieved due to issues to do with things such as authority or trust. Some students struggle on authority issues with their teachers and feel that no right tell them what to do and this is before even allowing another student to take on a instructive role. Other issues such as trust may also arise due to the fact that a lot of students especially those at university do not know or have any form of relationship with the members of the collaborative group before entering the class or tutorial.
Collaboration online promotes the development of critical thinking skills, co-creation of knowledge and meaning , reflection and is able to address all learning styles. (Palloff, 2005, p.6-7) As it stands there are currently very few guidelines that exist for online collaboration for there are many ways in which an instructor can collaborate online regardless to subject matter being studied. Some of the most popular suggestions for collaborative work include small group assignments, research assignments, group work on case studies, simulations, shared facilitation, homework forums and asynchronous discussions (see * The Virtual Classroom – Asynchronous Communication) (Palloff, 2005, p. 9-10)Like normal classroom collaboration there are the three characteristics that define good and productive collaborative work and there is negative effects. However because it is online collaboration there are a few more factor that way down group productivity. These are lack of communication for in most cases it is done electronically through email and technical difficulties with technology. Palloff (2005,p. 16-17) comments on these difficulties by developing the “Elements of Effective Online Groups�?. This model is divided up into the individual, the group , technology, task and facilitator. In theory is the individual has a sense of accomplishment, the ability to work at his or her own pace and a sense of self-expression then he or she should be able to work effectively in a group. This cycle continues to prove that by working collaboratively as a group and a team with the correct technology an true understanding of the task and support of the facilitator than there should be no problems at all when collaborating.
Bruffee, K. A. (1999) Collabrative Learning: Higher Education Inderpendence, and Authority of Knowledge, Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press, Preface xii-p.21. ISBN0-8018-5974-3
Hiltz, .S.R (1994) The Virtual Classroom: Learning without Limits via Computer Networks, New Jersey: Ablex Publishing Corporation. ISBN 0893919284
Palloff, R. M (2005) Collaborating Online:Learning Together in Community,SAn Francisco: Jossey-Bas Books, p6-17. ISBN 0-7879-7614-8
Natalie Harris 23:10, 27 Oct 2005 (EST)
