How can ICT contribute to better learning in group work?Aleksandra LazarevaPhD research fellowFaculty of Social Sciences

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Today’s lecture

• Collaborative learning• Computer-supported collaborative learning

(CSCL)• Benefits of CSCL• Challenges in CSCL• Technological tools to support collaborative

learning• Choice of tools to support a collaborative task

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Collaborative learning

• Collaborative learning vs. “traditional” teaching and learning• Traditional classroom: a teacher passes the

information over to students; little opportunity for active participation in knowledge construction and practicing skills

• Collaborative learning: students discuss complex issues and phenomena; learners are active in knowledge construction

• The teacher’s role: guide, facilitator

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Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL)

• Co-located collaborative learning scenarios• Computer-mediated scenarios

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Benefits of CSCL

• Active and social: participants express opinions, explain viewpoints and argue to reach the best solution

• Application of the learning materials on real-life examples

• Multiple perspectives due to different backgrounds (e.g., disciplinary or cultural)

• Online courses are flexible and accessible to more students

• Collaborative learning (face-to-face and online) is a good preparation for the real work situations

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Challenges in CSCL

• Motivational challenges• Coordination

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Technological tools to support CSCL

• The tools should promote and support collaboration• Word document + email vs. Wikis vs. Google

docs• A large variety of tools supports virtual

collaboration• Including a lot of the tools you use on the daily

basis: Skype, Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Wordpress, Facebook…

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Choice of tools to support a collaborative task

• Synchronous discussions• Skype• Google Hangouts• AdobeConnect

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Choice of tools to support a collaborative task

• Collaborative writing• Google docs• Evernote• Etherpad• Typewrite

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Choice of tools to support a collaborative task

• Presentation & video• Prezi• WeVideo

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Choice of tools to support a collaborative task

• Concept maps & brainstorming• Mindmeister• Popplet• Stormboard

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Choice of tools to support a collaborative task

• File repository• Dropbox• Google Drive• Learning management systems

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Choice of tools to support a collaborative task

• Multifunctional tools• Google Drive• AdobeConnect• Learning management systems• Basecamp

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Thank you!