Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning refers to a method in which learners at various locations work together in small groups towards a common goal. Thus learners are responsible for one another's learning as well as their own. Success of one learner helps other to be successful by sharing knowledge/learning. It is a technique in which learners engage in sharing knowledge about the common tasks which are of interest to the group. Example can be a group of students work together in resolving a complex mathematical problem, sharing the knowledge they have gained over various collaborative mediums like wiki, blogs etc.
Computer based collaborative learning has emerged predominantly as a favorite medium amongst various communities (students, technology etc) It covers a wide spectrum of users, domains, age groups and demography. Advocates of collaborative learning claim that active exchange of learning within small groups not only increases interest among the learners but also facilitates critical thinking.
Most popular mediums of collaborative learning are:
Wiki: This is a medium where users can post their knowledge which in turn can be updated by other. This helps keeping the knowledge up to date. The wiki also provide facility to search based on text.
Blogs: Blogs are used by many as personal diaries shared with others. ‘Bloggers’ write blogs on various topics like travel, work experience and anything under the earth which they want to share with others. Other users can read/comment on the blogs posted by users.
