Cooperative Learning Tools

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Several technology tools help to implement cooperative learning strategies and support the social constructionist learning theories. When using cooperative learning projects it is very important that each students understand their roles and responsibilities to the project and the group. I really liked the rubrics and advanced organizers for the movie project and how the roles for each of the students in the groups were listed and defined. I am currently teaching a multimedia class and will be using some of these tools listed to help organize some of my projects.

Webquests are another technology tool that can be used to support cooperative learning. Most webquests are designed to have teams of students work together to research a topic or to solve a problem. The roles and responsibilities are clearly defined so that each student understands what they need to contribute to the group. The successful creation of an end product depends on each member of the group doing their part, and this closely resembles real world situations in which a team of workers must complete a project.

Another technology tool that supports cooperative learning is Google Apps for Education. This tool allows students and teachers to work on the same document simultaneously, and it also allows them to share documents and other data with any other users. Of course, it also has email, calendaring, and website creation functions so that students can communicate about their work and coordinate what they are doing. Google Apps really is a complete technology tool for students to use to collaborate on their projects.