Activity in Educ. 17

Presented by: The THREE “D”Dany Be G. ManocanDyna Mae P. Italia andDaisy H. Dalisay -BSED III-C

Cooperative

Learning with

Computer

“We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter,

but our common humanity matters

more.” ― Bill Clinton

Reality dictates that school face the fact that each classroom, especially in public or government schools, may not be equipped with appropriate number of computers.

Introduction

The creativity of the teacher will have to respond to the situation, and so cooperative learning will likely be the answer to the implementation of IT supported learning in our schools.

What is "Cooperative Learning?"

1. Cooperative learning is learning in small groups where each student is actively engaged in a three-step process: research, discussion, and group decision making.

-Is learning by small groups of students who work together in a common learning task.

-It is also called Group Learning.

Cooperative or Collaborative Learning

COOPRATIVE LEARNING AND THE COMPUTER

-Based on a study conducted, researchers agree that the computer is a natural learning vehicle for cooperative (at times called promotive) learning. 

-Thus, it shows that when students work with computers in groups, they cluster and interact with each other for advice and mutual help. 

A common goalInterdependenceInteractionIndividual accountabilitySocial skills

5 Elements are needed to be truly cooperative

learning:

Components of cooperative learning

Educators are still wary about the computer’s role in cooperative learning. Thus they pose the position that the use of computers do not automatically result in cooperative learning. 

Moreover, given the option to work individually or in a group, the students generally wish to work together in computer-based and non-computer-based activities.

Reflecting on this, psychologists think the computer fosters this positive social behavior because it has a display monitor – where they look something in common.

 There therefore assign the teacher several tasks in order to ensure collaborative learning. These are:

-Assigning students to mixed-ability teams

-Establishing positive interdependence

-Teaching cooperative social skills-Insuring individual accountability,

and-Helping groups process information

 These are in addition to assigning a common work goal in which each member of the group will realize that their group will not succeed unless everyone contributes to the groups’ success.

It is also important for the teacher limits learning group clusters (six is the ideal number in a group) so there can be closer involvement in thinking and learning.

Why & What is Cooperative Learning at the Computer

Cooperative learning strategies help children work together, sharing one keyboard, one mouse, and one screen.

Cooperative learning strategies also direct and integrate the use of two or more different programs in a lesson.

...when students work together they experience better acquisition, retention and integration of content. Cooperative learning also promotes positive peer to peer relationships, student self-esteem and the desire to learn.

Cooperative learning is the process of discovery through sharing. Cooperative learning creates an objective that requires the participation of each student in the process. This approach to learning understands that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Each member of the group may have an assignment, —something to bring or contribute to the rest of the group. Each member gets their turn to add to the larger understanding. Leaders and followers will naturally emerge but the assignment is structured in such a way that all must contribute.

Cooperative learning is goal-oriented. Through research and the sharing of information and ideas, students construct a group understanding or larger picture which leads them toward new meanings and insights. The group may be working toward creating a statement or a report, a solution or a completed project that expresses what the group has learned.

Cooperative learning is not... four kids in front of a computer with one kid dominating the mouse, keyboard, or discussion. Cooperative learning isn't one team competing against another team and letting the brightest kids come up with all the answers. Cooperative means "cooperate."

Cooperative learning is more than telling the class to split into three groups to "answer these questions." It is a way of learning that the teacher both directs and models through their words and interactions with their students.

Cooperative learning is an intentional lesson planning strategy that fosters discussion and facilitates contributions from all participants. In cooperative learning, the computer becomes a means to an end, --a tool to promote the sharing of ideas and peer to peer relationships. Cooperative learning helps focus attention on software content and not just its whiz bang features. Cooperative learning embodies biblical values of sharing, listening, expressing your faith to others, and learning from each other.

To be successful with your cooperative computer lab strategy, you will need to do two things:

1) Carefully and intentionally craft your lesson plans. This means taking time to know your software

2) Schedule teachers in blocks of weeks rather than intermittently, and allow them to use the same lesson plan with more than one class in order to allow them to experiment and improve a single lesson plan strategy week after week. This will help them be better prepared the next time.

Cooperative learning is a LEARNED habit. So it is a great help to schedule students in for several weeks in a row. If they are only in the lab once a month, good habits will take longer to develop and students will have a tendency to want to "play everything" in their one visit. The computer helps us overcome another traditional hurdle, — irregular attendance. Advertising the computer lab schedule can be quite an attendance inducement.

Why Computers and Cooperative Learning Are a Great Match

When properly used, the computer can be a wonderful tool to facilitate discussion. Kids frequently find it difficult to open up and share with their peers, many of whom they may only see once a week in church. With a cooperative learning strategy, the computer helps them get around the problem. The reason is this: kids want to succeed with these tools and this motivates them to overcome their natural shyness about sharing or working together.

Encourages active learning, while motivating students.

ADVANTAGES OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING

Increases academic performance.

Promotes literacy and language skills.

Improves teachers effectiveness.

In addition, there are studies which show that cooperative learning enhances:

1. Personal and social development among students.

2. Self- esteem3. Social relations between racially

and culturally different students.