The use of communication tools
on the Internet allows for quick and sometimes almost immediate access to other learners, thus saving time and keeping the interest level high. It can also be a powerful motivator, especially for learners who seldom have the opportunity to interact with other learners from other communities or even other countries.
Collaborative learning allows learners access to other ideas and perspectives.
Learners have an opportunity to practise real-life data collection and it enables the broadening of horizons. Teachers have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other teachers, and to develop their community of learners beyond their immediate circle. For many teachers this is both motivating and encouraging.
Characteristics of Collaborative Learning
- Enhances learning – learners gain rich insights from cross-class exchanges.
- Encourages ownership of ideas – each group shapes a part of the interaction for the group.
- Develops reading/writing skills – learners use written communication skills to exchange ideas.
Teachers are able to design unit plans and classroom activities so that students engage in reasoning with, represent and solve complex real-world problems, as well as to reflect on and communicate solutions (KD.3.d).
