SDL vs. CL

First up, i think providing everyone admin privileges is awesome! It's somewhat like collaborative learning, just that we don't really 'learn' per se but we share the results (: (but I do think that you can figure out some basic HTML by looking at the page source/template ;))

Moving on to the reflection proper:

K - I already know prior to class a vague idea of SL and CL are about based on the meaning of the words 'self-directed' and 'collaborative'. 'cooperative' and 'collaborative' learning was however harder to differentiate

W - I would want to learn how to ensure that students are on track while discussing and collaborating, both F2F and online. Other than walking around the class and checking on them (not very effective as they might revert to their own discussions the moment you move to another group), what else can be done? Would setting a timeline/deadline be an effective solution?


L - I learnt that SDL can be done independently. The videos didn't really make this obvious as both were group efforts, hence the difference wasn't quite apparent and I was quite confused while trying to figure out their similarities and differences.
The main difference between Cooperative Learning and Collaborative Learning based on my understanding is that Collaborative learning goes a step further in that students will get to discuss the 'product' they have assembled. Coop Learning however is similar to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle- after assembling the 'product' their task is complete. In Collaborative Learning however students can discuss their end product, and reflect on the process and results. They will learn not only what others know (merely facts), but also what/how others think.

I admit that I was quite apprehensive about CL conducted exclusively online as it might hamper the learning of social skills amongst students. However, I learnt that CL can incorporate both F2F and online collaboration seamlessly. For example, we discussed as a group what to add to the mind map, and later collaborate with the rest of the class online. This way, students get to take advantage of the affordances of ICT and at the same time learn social skills imperative for their personal development.

I also learnt that SL and CL can be combined effectively. For example students can be assigned SDL where they have to research on a broad topic, and later form groups for CL, and share their knowledge with the rest of the class.

Q - My question: Will CL require more lesson time? For example, teachers need to provide instructions, allow students time to log on to the site, get used to the tools etc. But I guess this is part of the learning process? Students then can finish the task at hand via their own time-management as SDL and CL is less structured than conventional lessons where teachers talk/teach and students listen/learn.

Building on the point above, I am of the opinion that students can learn more in SDL as they can pursue their own interests (within the broader lesson objectives as delineated by the teacher). With less structure, students are able to explore the concept on their own, and learn discover their own interests while at it.

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and a random thought/question- I wonder how many people out there (in this class and also in general) is perfectly comfortable with going totally digital (i.e. can do readings online w/o having to print them out, comfortable with typing notes instead of writing them down on paper (or printing out the typed notes)). Personally, I feel much more comfortable and confident having a hardcopy of things. Just need to hold on to something tangible. Just like how I ended up buying the text (and wish textbooks cost less!) cause the concepts were still floating around and I couldn't grasp them yet. Tell me what you think!