E-learning a medium for collaboration: a case study of shared cognitive development

• Jennings, David ^[1]
  1. [1] University College Dublin

     University College Dublin

     Irlanda

     
• Localización: Proceedings of the IADIS International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age (CELDA 2005): Porto, Portugal, December 14-16, 2005 / coord. por Kinshuk Kinshuk, Demetrios Sampson, Pedro Isaías, Luís Rodrigues, Patrícia Barbosa, Vol. 2, 2005 (Short Papers), ISBN 972-8924-05-4, págs. 509-512
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This paper presents the results of an exploratory case study to explore the mechanics of collaboration within an online environment and to examine how individual learners share the cognitive load of group work and its effects on individual educational development. The case study is based upon a cohort of <=10 adult learners using the virtual learning environment BlackBoard (v6.3). Individuals' construction of knowledge can be suggested as being a 'collaboration with oneself', drawing on experience, practice and implementation to achieve a desired outcome e.g. a particular learning goal. Each group member may demonstrate a 'personal' interaction with the curriculum elements that are interpreted internally yet shared externally. This interaction offers an increased range of experience demonstrated, explored and shared via the entire group. The online collaboration was set in a problem-based scenario, offering the opportunity for maximum interaction amongst participants. The use of a structured online problem-based learning (PBL) situation can be seen as a key trigger in provoking communication and collaboration, it is offered as a potential framework within which to increase collaborative learning. Participants were seen to engage in the task and develop co-operative learning skills, sharing experiences and visibly constructing new knowledge.