Online collaborative documents can be used effectively for conducting collaborative research and for learning collaboratively via the Internet. Collaborative documents are dedicated online workspaces that allow individuals or groups to use the Internet to share their work with others, edit it, and finalize it. This paper identifies Basic Support…

Research shows that learning in groups improves students' achievement of learning objectives. Some indicate that a facilitator will smooth the process of collaboration (Johnson et al, 1987; Hooper, 1992; Moore and Kearsley, 1996; Brandon & Hollingshead, 1999; Bernard et al, 2000). Advocates for peer-controlled collaboration claim that learners…

This study described the effects of a course on cooperative learning (CL) for student teachers. The course was conducted at two teacher education colleges in The Netherlands. Data collection included observation of the desired CL teaching behaviors and elementary students' engagement rates during cooperative activities; surveys of preservice…

Discusses factors for authentic collaborative learning with computers. Highlights include software design, social environment, preparatory activities, accountability structures, and group assignment rationale. Discussion highlights advantages of collaborative learning and the alternatives of individual and large group computer-based environments.…

Discusses the rationale for cooperative learning and examines the teacher's role in creating groups. Provides examples of cooperative learning experiences in an integrated unit and as applied to computer education. Lists the advantages of using cooperative learning, while noting its pitfalls. Cautions that cooperative learning should be used in…

Investigates the conditions under which positive interdependence enhances or interferes with individual success and overall group productivity on a computer-assisted problem solving task. Results indicate that both positive goal and resource interdependence increase success in performance of tasks. (KO)

Describes activities for elementary and secondary students who participate in AT&T's Learning Network. Topics include learning circles as virtual communities; forming learning circles; planning projects with teachers and students; exchanging work on the projects; creating a final publication as a group; and evaluating the process. (LRW)

Explains how teachers can introduce cooperative learning, suggesting they (1) discuss cooperative behavior with students; (2) initiate small, basic, cooperative groups and activities; (3) facilitate cooperation; (4) add variety and expand the activities. Essential elements include positive interdependence, individual accountability, personal…

Discusses a course which combines Assessment, Investigation, and Mathematical Skills (A.I.M.S.) to originate, arouse, and sustain student interest in mathematics by changing to a more group-centered, democratic style of classroom management and by shifting toward more self-evaluation on the part of the students. (MKR)

Asserts that whether students engage in creative and critical thinking depends on how teachers structure the learning situation. Contends that using "academic controversy" among students provides a basis for deliberate discourse and creative problem solving. Presents a five-step instructional model to guide students. (CFR)

Reports on a collaborative learning project in which college-level counseling students designed and presented workshops on therapeutic intervention. Finds workshops stimulated more personal involvement with the topic and individual written papers ensured that all shared the workload. Concludes that workshops prepare students for collaborative…

Assesses distance learners' reactions to STILE (Students' and Teachers' Integrated Learning Environment), a project which used computer-mediated communication in the United Kingdom and Europe. Findings in four areas are discussed: (1) availability to collaborate; (2) interest in exercises for groupwork; (3) collaboration on extra material; and (4)…

Describes various research results on the benefits of cooperative learning. Also addresses the shift of Catholic school education toward cooperative learning, reflecting the civic-minded nature of Catholic doctrine and values. (YKH)

This research examined whether collaborative hypermedia systems could improve upon results achieved in traditional collaborative and individual learning environments without a computer. The students did not feel positively disposed to sharing their ideas and work with their peers; the group experience did not improve the quality of individual…

Presents a novel application of analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques to compare the reliability of multiple peer ratings with single teacher ratings. Uses rating data from two different courses, both involving multiple peer and individual teacher ratings that were used to assess student contributions to group process work. Discusses…