Collaborative learning is an umbrella term for a variety of approaches in education that involve joint intellectual effort by students or students and teachers. Collaborative learning refers to methodologies and environments in which learners engage in a common task in which each individual depends on and is accountable to each other.  It involves use of small groups so that all students can maximise their learning and that of their peers. It is a process of shared creation: two of more individuals interacting to create a shared understanding of a concept, discipline or area of practice that none had previously possessed or could have come to on their own.  Collaborative learning activities can include collaborative writing, group projects, and other activities.

 The idea of collaborative learning is linked to co-operative learning and concepts found in learning organisations, learning communities and communities of professional learning.  The NSW Institute of Teachers recommend under the Professional Teaching Standards that teachers work collegially and in teams to enhance their professional practice. Teachers are also encouraged to collaborate with others to further their own learning.

References:

• Wikipedia.  Collaborative Learning.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_learning (retrieved February 25, 2009)
• NSW Institute of Teachers. Professional Teaching Standards.  http://www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au/Main-Professional-Teaching-Standards.html (retirieved 2 March , 2009

About Collaborative Learning

 Below are links to a number of web-based resources.

Wikipedia
Provides a simple explanation of the term and links to related topics.  Please note that although Wikipedia provides a good overview of the topic it should not be cited in academic papers as it is not a refereed site.  (retrieved February 25, 2009)

University of Adelaide > Centre for Learning and Professional Development
Provides a detailed discussion of Collaborative Learning including an explanation of what collaborative learning is and what collaborative learning can be used for. (retrieved February 25, 2009)

Collaborative Learning Online
This online resource discusses the theory of collaborative learning.  In addition it provides examples of collaborative learning, guidelines to getting started, resources and tips in using ICT to facilitate collaborative learning methods in the classroom. (retrieved 2 Mach, 2009)

Online Collaborative Learning in Higher Education, Central Queensland University
A very comprehensive web site designed for both researchers (academics) and practitioners (teachers).  Here you'll find links to online articles, books, journals, and other relevant information.  Although designed primarily for higher education, a lot of what is presented can be applied to teaching and learning in secondary and primary schools. (retrieved March 2, 2009)

Tools for Teaching
It is suggested that students working in small groups tend to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same content is presented in other instructional formats.  This web site provides strategies the teacher can employ including ideas for designing and organising work groups as well as assessing the learning work groups. (retrieved March 2, 2009)

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning - A Brief History of CSCL Research, A Paradigmatic Example of CSCL Research
A short article discussing why the term CSCL can be problematic. (Retrieved June 22, 2009)

Computer Supported Collaborative Learning: A Review
Making a distinction between cooperation and collaboration, this study critically reviews studies that have been done on learning in a CSCL environment.  (Retrieved June 22, 2009)

Online Collaborative Learning in Higher Education, Central Queensland University
A very comprehensive web site designed for both researchers (academics) and practitioners (teachers).  Here you'll find links to online articles, books, journals, and other relevant information.  Although designed primarily for higher education, a lot of what is presented can be applied to teaching and learning in secondary and primary schools. (retrieved March 2, 2009) 

Journals

Designing Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Activities for Specific Contexts
This paper explores the design of computer supported collaborative learning activities suitable for various domains. The context in focus here is workplace learning, specifically collaborative learning among mobile and distributed colleagues. (Retrieved June 22, 2009)

 
Computer Supported Cooperative Work
An online journal which disseminates innovative research results and provides an interdisciplinary forum for the debate and exchange of ideas concerning theoretical, practical, technical, and social issues in computer supported cooperative work. (retrieved March 2, 2009)

 
The International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
An online journal designed to promote a deeper understanding of the nature, theory and practice of the uses of computer-supported collaborative learning. A main focus is on how people learn in the context of collaborative activity and how to design the technological settings for collaboration.
(retrieved March 2, 2009)

Interpersonal Computing and Technology Journal
An online journal with articles on computer-mediated communication and the pedagogical issues surrounding the use of computers and technology in educational settings.
(retrieved March 2, 2009)

Online Collaborative Learning in Higher Education:  Online Journals
Provides a comprehensive list of online journals, in addition to those listed above, which may publish articles of interest to researchers or practitioners in the area of online collaborative learning. (retrieved March 2, 2009)

Examples & Case Studies

Examples & case studies of computer-supported collaborative learning

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