Jean Thompson

Cooperative Learning in Computer-supported Classes Jean Thompson

Recent views of learning emphasise the social and situated nature of the construction of knowledge. Learning is seen to be mediated by the individual's active involvement and participation in situated social practices and not as the result of knowledge transmission. Consequently interest in the sociocultural views of Vygotsky has brought the issue of social interaction and cooperative and collaborative learning to the centre of education reform. Of interest is the question of whether cooperative learning with computers encourages learning as a group as opposed to learning in a group. This book emphasises the importance of teachers using cooperative learning as a structure to enable students to think together. Four case studies are analysed using Johnson and Johnson's essential elements: positive interdependence, individual accountability, group processing and group composition. Of particular importance is the role of talk when students are engaged with computers. The analysis should enhance understanding of interaction at the computer and should be especially useful to teachers and educators in their task of scaffolding learning.