Arun-Kumar Tripathi (tripathi@amadeus.statistik.uni-dortmund.de)
Tue, 16 Mar 1999 22:37:52 +0100 (MET)
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 22:37:52 +0100 (MET) From: Arun-Kumar Tripathi <tripathi@amadeus.statistik.uni-dortmund.de> Subject: Re: Final Summary for Collaborative Learning in Online learning Environments
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On Mon, 15 Mar 1999, Eli Collins-Brown wrote:
>
> March 15, 1999
>
> A summary of discussion from March 9 – 12
>
> Mark Nichols posted his paper on the use of computer conferencing. He defined
> computer conferencing as being a text-based communication media where messages
> from participants are stored on a computer to be viewed and/or commented on by
> other participants. Some of the features he points out are Integrated
> Communication where messages are send and read using the same interface; can
> be used in creative ways for groups, access is controlled, ability to link
> non-web software to the web. Other features are that it is asynchronous,
> collaborative, communicative, and convenient, promotes equality of expression,
> builds a community, increases accountability and allows moderators flexibility
>
> He further discusses the challenges; access, lack of resources, non-verbal
> communication can be misinterpreted, time zones, more experienced students,
> unequal adoption, perception of importance, and different platforms.
>
> His suggestions for making computer conferencing work are: Make the software
> intuitive, have a clear purpose, and be prepared to moderate. Encourage
> frequent use, keep groups small, and choose features carefully.
>
> Alan Holzl introduced some thought on the role of learning theory in
> developing effective pedagogies. He points to his own study of Australian
> Universities. He believes that social constructivism concepts such as
> situated cognition, cognitive apprenticeships, and "problem/case/project based
> learning is an ideal theoretical framework for higher education." He finds
> that using the web for constructivist learning supported by online
> collaborative learning via email and bulletin boards is the most effective use
> of current technologies. He gives the following URL as an example:
> http://www2.deakin.edu.au/bowater/SBP/Management/DEFAULT.HTM
>
Dear Eli,
First of all many many thanks.
> Arun-Kumar Tripathi supplies a list of article regarding collaboration and education:
>
> http://www.chronicle.com/free/v45/i27/27a02201.htm – Internet-based
> Collaboratories help scientists work together.
>
> http://www.chronicle.com/free/v45/i27/collaboratory.htm – How Collaboratory
> was set up.
>
Secondly, Sorry IFETS Forum Members,
> http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/html/erm9851.htm – surfing with a Purpose
Corrected: http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/html/erm9851.html – surfing
with a Purpose
>
> http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/html/erm9855.htm – Internet: Library or Encyclopedia?
Corrected: http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/html/erm9855.html – Internet:
Library or Encyclopedia?
>
> Roger Hartley – the discussion leader – poses a couple of problems and
> questions for consideration. In his current situation, he is finding that
> group cohesion is hard to attain because the students don’t know each other
> and have a difficult time getting to know each other online. His students
> require support and guidance in using the online capabilities. He is
> wondering if anyone else is experiencing these problems.
>
I also enjoy all the threads of this discussions, but I was unable to
contribute actively, due to overload. But I will contribute offline later
to Professor Roger Hartley, He has done a marvellous job.
> He has begun using Whiteboards/chatrooms in conjuction with the bulletin
> boards for brainstorming and argumentation on concepts. This has helped
> foster a learning group presence. They have split it into three stages; 1 –
> introduce the discussion topic, 2 – construct arguments by dividing the class
> into groups (sometimes taking the opposite view purposely), 3 – compare and
> evaluate comments. They also have occasional face-to-face meetings, which
> helps with group cohesion.
>
> Carol Awalt comments on Alan Holzl’s study by pointing to the University of
> Texas at Austin project that is a collaboration with four Canadian
> Universities. She gives two URL’s:
>
> http://www.edu.yorku.ca/CollabU/
> http://www.edb.utexas.edu/it99/collabu/project/index.html
>
> Ellen Rosen states that she has had little success getting her students to
> actively participate in online discussions. She suspects that because the
> students see each other every day, they don’t feel the need to get online.
> She has made it part of their grade to motivate them.
>
> David Bird responds to Ellen Rosen by saying he has experienced a similar
> situation. He also cites a spirit of competition in the institution as
> contributing to this resistance to online collaboration. They suffered mass
> resistance from the student when they made participation a part of their grade.
>
> Steve Brewer states that the most effective use of online collaboration at his
> institution is the genetics course most likely because it is a problem solving
> class. In other classes, he observes that if the emphasis has been on
> transmission and not on application of knowledge, the students see little need
> for it.
>
> Jane Lasarenko has had similar experiences, though it varies from class to
> class. She had more success with web-forums.
>
> George Free responds to David Bird by saying the same phenomenon is being
> experience in the workplace as well. Even though the technology allows for
> greater collaboration, our social arrangements don’t encourage us to do so.
> With this technology, we limit ourselves when we try to keep things to
> ourselves, succeed by ourselves. So the issue is how to create learning
> environments and/or organizational systems that are based on trust and
> sharing, collaboration? We must change the social system. As a postscript,
> he asks if the educational system has encouraged competition, so are we facing
> a problem of our own creation?
>
> Respectfully submitted for your consideration by,
> Eli Collins-Brown
> Summarizer
>
> PS. A comprehensive summary of all the posting will be published on the IFETS
> web site the end of the week.
Best Regards
Arun Tripathi
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ARUN KUMAR TRIPATHI, C/O Braun, Luetgenholthauser Strasse 99
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