TOOL5100 – Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course provides an introduction to the field that integrates computers, education and applied social science, Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL). CSCL is concerned with how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) might support learning in groups (co-located and distributed). The course covers the basic problems, research questions and educational technologies (tools and platforms). It is motivated by practical problems, which are illustrated by ongoing projects in InterMedia, Informatics, and Educational Research as well as studies reported in the literature. The issues are understood in terms of theories of social interaction and collaborative learning. Each semester a key theoretical idea is explored in-depth across the relevant sub-disciplines. We use the concept as lens for analyzing interaction, contexts, artifacts, and outcomes of group learning, and to suggest how affordances and constraints of educational technologies, collaboration systems (e.g. forums and knowledge building environments), and information sharing and social software (web 2.0 technology) can support and hinder it.

Learning outcome

After completing this course the students will be able to evaluate the merits (pros and cons) of different educational technologies for collaborative learning. The students will be able to identify situations that can benefit work-integrated learning in organizational contexts. The students are expected to conceptualize the basic processes constituting CSCL activities, and relate them to each other conceptually and apply them to empirical analysis and tool design (e.g. design implications based on empirical analysis). After completing the course the students are expected to know the possibilities and constraints of computer-supported teaching and learning.

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

The course is mainly for masterstudents, but bachelorstudentes can take the course if free capacity.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.

Teaching

Teaching is organized in terms of ICT demonstrations, lectures and discussions, totaling 3 hours per week over a period of 15 weeks. Students will be grouped into project groups that organize their own meetings (colloquium) according to a predefined plan and local needs. Researchers and Ph.D. students at InterMedia participate in the teaching. The students get access to tools and other resources from InterMedia Lab.

Examination

Process and outcome evaluation. Process: One page summary of three lectures (ap. 10%), project report (3 stages) in groups of 2-3 (ap. 40%). Outcome: Oral exam (ap. 50 %).

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Course auditor: Frode Guribye

Resit an examination

This subject does not offer new examination in the beginning of the subsequent term for candidates who withdraw during an ordinary examination or fail an ordinary examination. For general information about new examination, see /studier/admin/eksamen/sykdom-utsatt/mn/index.html and http://www.matnat.uio.no/english/studies/examination/repeat.html

Other

  • Note that the first lecture is compulsory.
  • InterMedia is coordinator of the course.

Facts about this course

Credits
10
Level
Master
Teaching
Every autumn

The course was previously taught every spring semester.

Examination
Every autumn
Teaching language
English