Lesson 13 Cooperative Learning with the Computer

COOPERATIVE LEARNING WITH THE COMPUTER

   - Singapore has set the global pace for student - centered learning with a 2 : 1 ( pupils with 1 computer ) ratio in its master plan for IT in Education. This shows that even in other progressive countries, the 1 : 1 pupil - computer ratio is still an ideal to be achieved. Reality, therefore, dictates that schools face the fact that each classroom, especially in public or government schools, may not be equipped with the appropriate number of computers.

   The creativity of the teacher will have to respond to the situation, and so cooperative learning will likely be the answer to the implemention of IT supported learning in our schools. But the situation may not be that bad since there are motivational and social benefits to cooperative learning these can compensate for the lack of hardware that educators face.

    Defining cooperative Learning

                Cooperative or collaborative learning is learning by small groups of students who work together in a common learning task. It is called group learning but to be truly cooperative learning, five (5) elements are needed:

1.  A common goal
2. Interdependence
3. Interaction
4. Individual Accountability
5. Social Skills

     Therefore not every group work is cooperative learning since students working on their work sheets physically sat around a table may be working together without these features of cooperative learning.
         From several studies made on cooperative Learning, It is manifested that cooperative Learning in its true sense is advantageous since it:

1. Encourages active learning, while motivating students;
2. Increases academic performance;
3. Promotes literacy and language Skills; and 
4. Improves teacher effectiveness.

          The teacher is assigned several tasks in order to ensure collaborative Learning. These are:

1. Assigning students to mixed - ability teams
2. Establishing positive interdependence
3. Teaching cooperative social skills
4. Insuring individual accountability
5. Helping groups process information

           The computer is a natural learning vehicle for cooperative learning. It promotes cooperation and collaboration within students working on a same tasks, 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 interdependence with each other to achieve a good overall result.Social skills are also develop while students interact with each other, boosting their self - esteem.