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

1. Swimming Together in Cyber-Seas: Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning Presented by Jaya Goswami and Jan Brott

2. 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.

3. Elements of Cooperative Learning

4. Elements of Distance Learning

5. Cooperative Learning & Distance Learning Although cooperative learning theory is rooted in face to face practice, the principles are naturally applied in the distance learning environment.

6. Questions to Ask in Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

7. Questions to Ask in Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

8. Questions to Ask in Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning

9. Questions to Ask in Structuring Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning Netiquette Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dRoclqDJh0

10. Example 1 of CL in DL Ice Breaker: Synchronous One student interviews a classmate with the objective of introducing the classmate to the others 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Positive Interdependence Students in each group must feel that they need each other in order to complete the group tasks; they sink or swim together. Each group works together to achieve a common goal. Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

14. Individual Accountability Although the performance of the group depends on each member’s contribution, each student is assessed individually and is held accountable for learning the content of the courses. Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

15. Social Skills Team members learn appropriate communication, leadership, trust, decision making, and conflict management skills in order to develop the social skills needed to collaborate effectively with others. Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

16. Face to Face Promotive Interaction Members of the group work together, face-to-face, knee-to-knee; and learn to help, assist, encourage, and support each other’s efforts to learn. Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

17. Group Processing Members of the group are allowed time and are taught the procedures to analyze how well each group is performing while pursuing the academic objectives of the task. . Click the shell icon to return to the Elements of Cooperative Learning.

18. Technology Tools Technology tools provide the infrastructure in which to deliver distance learning. Choosing the appropriate tool is dependent upon the course objectives and activities students will be learning. . Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements of Distance Learning.

19. Technical Training Technical training provides the means by which to use the technology tools. Adequate typing skills, knowledge of data processing, multimedia applications as well as internet browsing skills play a role in a successful distance learning experience. . Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements of Distance Learning.

20. Technical Support Technical support should guide instructors and students, as individuals, in resolving their technical issues. Just as people learn in different ways, providing technical support must focus on the ways in which people need to receive help. . Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements of Distance Learning.

21. Online Social Skills The distance learning classroom has a culture with unique protocol and communication style. Netiquette training and providing parameters for what is and is not acceptable will provide a code of conduct for group members. Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements of Distance Learning.

22. Professional Development A programmatic approach to professional development will allow instructors and students to grow in the use of technology. Providing a curriculum that addresses the varying levels of expertise will maximize the effectiveness of the training received. Click the starfish icon to return to the Elements of Distance Learning.

23. 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

24. 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