The visions and challenges of ICT for collaborative learning : A review of the literature

Part of : Themes in science and technology education ; Vol.1, No.2, 2008, pages 113-134

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113-134
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This report synthesises prominent issues found in the literature related to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in collaborative learning. It evaluates the most widely employed methodological approaches and reviews the most influential disciplines in the area of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL). The purpose of this evaluation is to identify gaps as well as opportunities in current research efforts to guide further investigation into the nature, theory and practice of CSCL. It is argued that there is a genuine need for cross-disciplinary research and a holistic methodological approach which will allow researchers to study technology-enhanced collaborative learning from multiple perspectives. Such an approach should incorporate social, cognitive and technological perspectives towards understanding real –as opposed to experimental– pedagogical contexts. This can help forward-thinking researches, educators, and designers find innovative solutions and practical ideas for addressing the challenges and capitalising the visions of ICT in education.
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