LESSON 13

Cooperative Learning with the

Computer

Singapore

has set the global

pace
for
student-centered
learning with a 2:1 (2 pupils with
1
computer)
ratio
in
its
masterplan 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

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. But the situation may
not be that bad since there
are motivational and social
benefits
to
cooperative
learning
and
these
can
compensate for the lack of

Defining cooperative learning

Cooperative
or
Collaborative
learning is learning by small
groups of student who work
together in a common learning
task. It is often also 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

From several studies made on cooperative

learning, it is manifested that cooperative
learning in its true sense is advantageous
since it:
Encourages
active
learning,
while
motivating students;
Increases academic performance;
Promotes literacy and language skills; and
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 relations between racially
and culturally different students.

Cooperative learning and the computer

Researchers have made studies on the
learning interaction between the student
and the computer. The studies have
great value since it has been a long
standing fear that the computer may
foster student learning in isolation that
hinders
the
development
of
the
students social skills.
Now this mythical fear has been
contradicted by the studies which show
that when students work with computers
in groups, they cluster and interact with
each other for advice and mutual help.

And
given
the
option
to
work
individually or in group, the students
generally wish to work together in
computer-based
and
non-computerbased activities. Reflecting on this
phenomenon, psychologist think the
computer fosters this positive social
behavior due to the fact that it has a
display monitor-just like a television setthat is looked upon as something
communal.
Therefore researchers agree that the
computer is fairly natural learning
vehicle for cooperative (at times called

Components
learning

of

cooperative

Education are still wary about

thee
computers
role
in
cooperative learning. Thus they
pose the position that the use of
computers do not automatically
result in cooperative learning. In
that case, 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.