Two or more peers working together on learning activities, such as when two or more individuals are engaged into some activity which forces them to maintain some agreement and to reach eventually a shared solution

Definition / Attributes: Collaborative Learning

(Attributes based on Schrage’s model for collaborative communities {Web-Based Instruction, Khan – editor, p.186-190}

• Shared, understood goal; mutual respect, tolerance, trust; clear lines of responsibility.
• Creation and manipulation of shared spaces (listserves, web pages, etc.).
• Use of multiple forms of representation: graphic, maps, virtual realities, verbal information, narratives, symbols and metaphors, audio information, shifting between different representation through activities.
• Continuous, but not continual communications, formal and informal environments; Collaborations end, however, bonds, techniques, and skills continue
• Decisions not necessarily made by consensus (instructor helps with clarification as students strive to problem solve, instructor facilitates and guides students towards solutions).
• Physical presence is not necessary, selective use of outsiders for complementary insights and information.
• Participants actively involved in conceiving of and internalizing the materials.

• Provide examples of multiple perspectives on the content area, such a views of weather concepts from radar, local weather station maps, actual weather conditions, animations to be used in collaboration.
• E-mail or other communication features used to link "peers" around the world on collaborative projects.

  Learning outcomes: (What will the students be expected to learn as a result of this lesson?)

Lesson description: (How, using Collaborative Learning, will the lesson facilitate the learning outcomes?)

Web resources: (What types of web resources will support the presentation strategy and learning outcomes?)