Lesson 13: Cooperative Learning with the Computer

 

CONTENT

Cooperative or collaborative learning is learning by small groups of students who work together in a common learning task. It is often also called group learning but to be truly cooperative learning, 5 elements are needed:
1. common goal
2. interdependence
3. interaction
4. individual accountability
5. social skills

Cooperative Learning and the Computer 

Researchers have made studies on the learning interaction between the student and the computer. The studies have great value since it has been a long standing fear that the computer may foster student learning in isolation that hinders the development of the student's social skills.Now this mythical fear has been contradicted by the studies which show that when students work with computers in groups.

EXPERIENCE

            Well, i have been exposed to cooperative learning with the computer many times especially that there are times when i didn’t know how to manipulate certain things. I can see that cooperative is advantageous because two heads are better than one and you are just aiming for one common goal or objectives to attain. I have been teaching also basics knowledge of computer to those who haven’t know yet to manipulate it. It is just an echange of ideas, being open minded and the willingness to learn and to teach.]

 

REFLECTION

It is a good lesson to be discussed, because I know that cooperative learning makes learners learn more. Technology like computer makes studies easier. So that, if the learners collaborates with the computer the more the knowledge will be acquired by the learners. In summary, collaborates with computer makes the learning easier and meaningful. In here, the action of each student affects the others in a group. Cooperative learning is an affective strategy that can be use to integrate in the computer activities to promote the competencies of the learners.

APPLICATION

The computer is a natural learning vehicle for cooperative learning. It promotes cooperation and collaboration within students working on a same task, also it develops enthusiasm and a sense of belonging between individual within a group  who shares a common goal. Every individual is given a sense of responsibility to do his part in achieving the goal. Each responsibility is important for the other members where each result is interdependent with each other to achieve a good overall result. Social skills are also develop while students interact with each other, boosting their self - esteem.