Synopses & Reviews
This book is the first that presents an overview of the main topics involved in the study and implementation of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) from a learning viewpoint. It is also one of the few - or the only one - that does this from a research and practical instructional design perspective. Too many books begin with the medium and/or the environments used for CSCL, as if you would write a book on building a house by focusing almost primarily on hammers, saws and screwdrivers. The main topics are clustered in four sections that are derived from reverse ordering the CSCL acronym, because CSCL is all about learning through collaboration that is supported by computers. Although CSCL is increasingly advocated in higher education, specific CSCL implementations - i.e. something more than providing technology without a well developed educational rationale - are uncommon in higher education. The topics covered in this book, each including a review and several examples of current best practices in higher education, can stimulate 'informed' implementation of CSCL in higher education.
Review
"It is certain that this book will become a clear reference book in the scientific community." (Prof. A. Dimitracopoulou) "This book should prove an invaluable resource to researchers, research students and practitioners in CSCL and in the learning sciences more widely. It is also a very timely resource given the increasing amount of activity and interest in e-learning within higher education. The clear focus on learning and pedagogy, not just technology, is a key strength of the book." (Dr. C. O'Malley)
Table of Contents
List of contributors
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
SECTION 1: IT IS ALL ABOUT LEARNING?
1. CSCL in Higher Education? A framework for designing multiple collaborative environments; Paul A. Kirschner, Rob L. Martens and Jan-Willem Strijbos
2. Practices and Orientations of CSCL; Lasse Lipponen, Kai Hakkarainen and Sami Paavola
SECTION 2: LEARNING, COLLABORATION AND ASSESSMENT
3. Building Collaborative Knowing. Elements of a social theory of CSCL; Gerry Stahl
4. Learning, Assessment and Collaboration in Computer-Supported Environments; Carol K. K. Chan and Jan van Aalst
SECTION 3: WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY 'SUPPORT'?
5. Instructional Support in CSCL; Saima Järvelä, Païvi Häkkinen, Maarit Arvaja and Piritta Leinonen
6. Computer Software Support for CSCL; Patrick Jermann, Amy Soller and Alan Lesgold
7. Human Support in CSCL. What, for whom, and by whom?; Kristine Lund
SECTION 4: TECHNOLOGY AND INTERACTION
8. CSCL-Ware in Practice. Goals, tasks, and constraints; Rick de Graaff, Maarten de Laat and Hans Scheltinga
9. Designing Sociable CSCL Environments. Applying interaction design principles; Karel Kreijns and Paul A. Kirschner
CONCLUSION
What We Know About CSCL ... and what we do not (but need to) know about CSCL; Jan-Willem Strijbos, Paul A. Kirschner and Rob L. Martens
INDEX