1. Cooperative Learning Using Technology
Issues, Trends, & Successes

2. Cooperative Learning Type of Collaborative Learning
Student to student interaction
Knowledge is gained from shared communication, negotiation, and production
Based on PIES system
Students work in heterogeneous small group settings to complete a structured activity
Students are responsible for individual as well as group learning
Instills strong sense of comradeship
Encourages the sharing and restructuring of ideas
Creates a sense of interdependence
Engages students in peer tutoring
Improves problem solving skills
Dependent upon the supportiveness of participants

4. Trends in Education
Between 2005 and 2010, the majority of the research conducted focused on web-based or classroom computer-aided cooperative learning environments (Kesser & Ozdamli, 2012)
Experimental research methods were employed
Studies found cooperative learning with technology use beneficial to student learning
Research indicates that meaningful activities and situated cognition are important components of successful cooperative learning (Schulz-Zander & Dalmer, 2002)
Computers provide a wealth of information that allows students to be less dependent on teachers (Tan, Gallo, Jacobs, & Lee, 1999)
Students are more able to work together to find and share knowledge
Students are able to learn how to use technology while learning collaborative skills at the same time
Student lead learning pushes students to clarify and rethink their ideas

5. Supporting Literature
Belderrain (2006) investigated the relationship between technology and learning.
Online learning provides students with an audience to explore topics or enhance writing skills
Technology allows students to get virtually acquainted with one another
Podcasting and Wikis are highly engaging, providing cooperative learning opportunities
Chu and Kennedy (2011) investigated the effectiveness of Wikis and Google Docs as collaboration tools for cooperative learning environments.
Cooperative, collaborative learning requires joint intellectual efforts among students
Tools provide opportunities for students to co-create knowledge
French, Shore, and Walker (2011) investigated learning preferences of students.
Grouping configurations have an effect on achievement
Cooperative learning encourages respecting a peer’s individuality
Older students tend to prefer cooperative learning as compared to younger students
Scheurerell (2010) investigated the effectiveness of technology on cooperative learning environments.
Students gain more understanding creating with the use of technology than simply using a computer to research the internet
Students are using the internet to collaborate and share ideas with one another

7. Supportive Online Tools
According to Pitler, Hubbel, and Kuhn (2012), the following programs provide diverse opportunities for cooperative learning through the use of technology.
Collaboration Software: modes for communication
Ex: Titanpad, Facetime, Syncpad
WebQuests: inquiry-oriented activities allowing for diverse location access
Ex: Quest Garden, Zunal Webquest Maker, WebQuest Taskonomy
Simulation Game: interactive environments
Ex: Civilization V, Girls Inc. Team UP, The Sims
Shared Bookmarking: teacher tool for project access
Ex: Diigo, Google Bookmarks, Delicious, Evernote
Course Management: discussion facilitation and presentation of information
Ex: Moodle, Blackboard, Google Apps for Education

8. References
Beldarrain, Y. (2006). Distance education trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration. Distance Education,
27(2), doi: /
Chu, S. & Kennedy, D. (2011). Using online collaborative tools for groups to co-construct knowledge. Online Information Review, 35(4),
doi: /
French, L., Shore, B., & Walker, C. (2011). A theoretical context for examining students’ preference across ability levels for learning alone or in
groups. High Ability Studies, 22(1), Retrieved from
Keser, H. & Ozsamli, F. (2012). What are the trends in collaborative learning studies in 21st century? Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences,
46(2012), doi: /j.sbspro
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Retrieved from
Scheuerell, S. (2010). Virtual warrensburg: Using cooperative learning and the internet in the social studies classroom. The Social Studies, 101,
doi: /
Schulz-Zander, R. & Dalmer, B. (2002). The role of ICT as a promoter of students’ cooperation. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 18(4), 438-
448. doi: /j x
Tan, G., Gallo, P., Jacobs, G., & Lee, C. (1999). Using cooperative learning to integrate thinking and information technology in a content-based
writing lesson. The Internet TESL Journal, 5(8). Retrieved from