Swimming Together in Cyber-Seas: Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

Presented by

Jaya Goswami and Jan Brott

Why Cooperative Learning (CL)?“We’re all in the same boat together.”

• High correlation between CL and student achievement, higher-level reasoning, retention of information, and motivation*

• Learner-oriented approach• Reduced impact of the

affective factor• Opportunities for

peer-teaching• Development of the

concept of self-regulation

*Johnson, D.W. & Johnson, R.T. (1989). Cooperation and Competition: Theory and Research. Edina, MN: Interaction Books.

Positive Interdependence

Individual Accountability

Social SkillsFace to Face Interaction

Group Processing

Elements of

Cooperative

Learning

Technology Tools

Technical Training

Technical Support

Online Social Skills

Professional Development

Elements of

Distance Learning

Although cooperative learning theory is rooted in face to face practice, the principles are naturally applied in the distance learning environment.

&Distance LearningCooperative Learning

Questions to Ask in Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

•Content knowledge

•Skills

How will the activity achieve the

task objective?

•Pair-share

•Jigsaw•Role Play

How will the activity be carried out?

•Base/Home Groups

•Self-Selected

•Homogenous or Heterogenous

How will the groups be formed?

•Self-monitored

•By instructor

How will the groups be

monitored?

•Asynchronous

•Synchronous

How will the groups interact?

Questions to Ask in Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

•Institution LMS

•Internet Resources

What technology tools are available?

•Beginner

•Intermediate/Advanced

•Multi-level

What is the technology skill level of the professor and

students?

•Campus computers

•Personal computers

•Wired/Wireless

In what environment will students be participating?

Questions to Ask in Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

•Time•Interaction•Accountab

ility•Technolog

yWhat are the challenges?

Questions to Ask in Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

Netiquette Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dRoclqDJh0

Example 1 of CL in DL

Ice Breaker:SynchronousOne studentinterviews aclassmate with theobjective ofintroducing the classmate to theothers in the class.

Elements of CL

• social skills•Individual accountability•positive interdependence•Face to face interaction

Elements of DL

• tech tools• Skype (webcam)• chat tool• phone

•tech training• Instructions• tutorials

•tech support• tech on standby

•online social skills• Acronyms• emoticons

Example 2 of CL in DL

Jigsaw: Asynchronous• Each student is assigned a

section of the topic under discussion to be presented in a graphic representation.

• The student must also provide an annotated bibliography of resources on the section assigned.

• Classmates read and respond to others’ presentations.

• All students are responsible for knowing the comprehensive information for assessment.

Elements of CL

•individual accountability •positive interdependence•social skills

Elements of DL

• tech tools• discussion forum• PowerPoint• MS Word

•tech training• tutorials• Workshops

•professional development• MS Office –int.

Example 3 of CL in DL

Group chats : Synchronous and asynchronous

•Each group member prepares a part of a topic. •Group meets and each member presents his/her part.•Group members participate in the discussion. •Instructor is the facilitator. •Group discussion transcripts made available to entire class.•Group members share evaluations of the group interaction.

Elements of CL

•individual accountability •social skills •positive interdependence •group processing

Elements of DL

• tech tools• chat tool• discussion forum

•tech training• tutorials• workshops

•online social skills• acronyms• emoticons

Positive Interdependence

Students in each groupmust feel that they needeach other in order tocomplete the group tasks;they sink or swimtogether. Each groupworks together to achievea common goal.

Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

Individual Accountability

Although the performanceof the group depends oneach member’scontribution, each studentis assessed individuallyand is held accountablefor learning the content ofthe courses.

Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

Social Skills

Team members learnappropriatecommunication,leadership, trust, decisionmaking, and conflictmanagement skills inorder to develop thesocial skills needed tocollaborate effectivelywith others.

Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

Face to Face Promotive Interaction

Members of the group worktogether, face-to-face,knee-to-knee; and learn to help, assist, encourage, and support each other’sefforts to learn.

Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

Group Processing

Members of the group areallowed time and are taughtthe procedures to analyzehow well each group isperforming while pursuingthe academic objectives ofthe task. .

Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

Technology Tools

Technology tools providethe infrastructure in whichto deliver distance learning. Choosing the appropriatetool is dependent upon thecourse objectives andactivities students will belearning.. Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements

of Distance Learning.

Technical Training

Technical training provides themeans by which to use thetechnology tools. Adequatetyping skills, knowledge ofdata processing, multimediaapplications as well asinternet browsing skills play arole in a successful distancelearning experience. . Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements

of Distance Learning.

Technical Support

Technical support shouldguide instructors and students, as individuals, in resolving their technicalissues. Just as people learn indifferent ways, providingtechnical support must focuson the ways in which peopleneed to receive help.. Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements

of Distance Learning.

Online Social Skills

The distance learningclassroom has a culture withunique protocol andcommunication style.Netiquette training andproviding parameters for

whatis and is not acceptable willprovide a code of conduct forgroup members. Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements

of Distance Learning.

Professional Development

A programmatic approach toprofessional development willallow instructors and studentsto grow in the use oftechnology. Providing acurriculum that addresses thevarying levels of expertise willmaximize the effectiveness ofthe training received.

Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements of Distance Learning.

Designing Cooperative Learning Activities in Distance Learning

• Require interdependence • Require individual roles in groups • Consider logistical factors: time, technology• Determine modes for sharing information

within and among groups • Require group self-evaluation • Determine assessment method

General Strategies for Incorporating Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

• Point out the positive outcomes of cooperative learning: staying afloat together

• Give clear instructions and information about the activity – objectives, process, responsibilities, assessments

• Warn students about some “choppy waves”• Assure students of your support