Collaboration_Vuopala_ 260913

Theoretical approaches for learning and educational technology

Collaborative learningSelf-regulated learningLearning of expertice

Part I: Collaborative learning

Essi Vuopala/ LET

What is collaborative learning

• one specific theory• single pedagogical method or psychological process

(Crook 2000; Dillenbourg 2002)

Collaborative learning refers to studying method where group members have joint task and they are committed to construct a joint understanding through social interaction.

(Baker 2002)

Collaborative learning can be seen as a space where the group members create new knowledge together.

And what it is not…

(Lave & Wenger 1991)

Collaborative learning refers to the culture of knowledge building and learning is considered equal to learners’ growing ability to participate in learning communities’ actions.

Theoretical background

Collaborative – co-operative

Collaborative learning is effective because it

might actuate important learning

mechanisms.

Collaborative learning is effective because it

might actuate important learning

mechanisms.

•asking and explaining

•argumenting and giving feedback

•sharing knowledge

•following other’s strategies

Why collaborative learning?

Requirements of information society

Latest learning research

Increasing amount of knowlwege

Rapid change of working- and everyday life

Social interaction between learners is the main factor in successful learning.

However…

– Not all types of interaction lead to high-level of collaborative learning.

Interaction forms in successful collaborative learning (Vuopala 2013, in press)

Group-related Task-related

Group-related Task-related

Coordinating groupwork

Sosio- emotional aspects

New knowledge

Comment/ answer

Question

Supporting collaboration with technology

• Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL)– How collaboration can be supported (in a

meaningful way) by technology.– CSCL research is interested in how the

interaction between learners and function of the group can be supported with technology and how technology can promote sharing of knowledge and expertise among learners.

Learningenvironment

(process)

Technology-supported learning

Technology as a part of other teaching activities

• slides

• linklists

• announcements

•peer-tutoring

• teacher tutoring

• feedback discussions

•Web-courses

• self-study materials

• electronic books

• distance-learning

B C

A D

Media for sharing the

material (product)

(Hein, Ihanainen & Nieminen 2000)

•www-pages•blogs•email

•www-pages•cd-roms

•Web-platforms•Video-conference

• Skype• wikis, blogs

•Web-platforms•wikis, blogs

Conclusions

• Collaboration doesn’t guarantee good quality learning. Still individual learner remains in the center of learning process.

• Technological solutions develop all the time but the mechanisms of individuals’ intelligent behaviour stays the same.

• Application of technology itself doesn’t produce deeper, more qualified or more effective learning, but it can support learners to attain deeper level of learning.

Questions?

Thank you!