Lesson 13

Cooperative Learning with the Computer

Cooperative or collaborative learning is learning by small groups of students who work together in a common learning task. It is often also called group learning but 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. increase academic performance;
3. promotes literacy and language skills; and
4. improves teacher effectiveness.

In addition, there are studies which show that cooperative learning enhances personal and social development among students of all ages, while enhancing self-esteem and improving social relation between racially and culturally different students.