Module 5-Blog 4: Chapter 13 Review

Summary
Chapter 13 is a discussion of the educational process via team collaboration. Clark &
Meyer (2011) provides an immediate reference that collaborative learning has a long
history of research, albeit mostly in the F2F setting. However, trends in research show
that collaborative strategies in the virtual environment yields similar outcomes as F2F has
shown. This concept coupled with various technology tools and social media can provide
a very good means by which the learner can achieve academic success.
The author provided a detailed description of Computer-Supported Collaborative
Learning (CSCL) with accompanying examples of various tools and examples of when to
use those tools. He also cautioned that the benefits of technology is dependent on how
effective the instructor is in exploiting that technology with respect to human cognitive
learning needs (Clark & Mayer, 2011, pg 286). Basically, the instructor must have a
strategy in mind while they are developing their training and consider their target
audience before making the technology decision. The author provided some examples on
how to do this with corresponding explanation as to the why it should be done.
Reflection
This chapter provided, for me, insights into two aspects: formulas and reassurance that
collaborative work is better. The first, and most appealing, was authors providing
formulas to consider when developing trainings. Notwithstanding the efforts to help me
understand what research shows, but how to incorporate that research into simple and
linear directions. These formulas were not so much in an A + B = C format. Rather,
examples of doing A, with what to consider B = to achieve the outcome C. For
example, table 13.1 outlines the Criteria for Successful Collaboration (Clark & Mayer,
2011, pg 281). But it didnt stop there, the author then explained what each element was
and how to consider it when planning. As a novice, I found this to be very effective in
helping my understanding.
Another aspect of this chapter that helped me was the reiteration that collaboration has a
much greater positive outcome as opposed to the traditional competitive forum.
Although I have been inundated with this perspective from previous courses as well as
my personal experience, I find myself hesitant into fully buying in to it. I am not real
sure where this barrier originates, although I can guess. It is always meaningful to have
reinforcement and this consistent reinforcement is allowing me to make a transition in a
more objective and rational way of looking at collaboration. By this I mean, I am feeling
more comfortable in the instructional systems development (ISD) process that
incorporates collaborative activities. The concepts of the Adult Learning Theory (ALT)
requires real-life situations. Using collaborative techniques within the ISD project makes
supporting this ALT aspect easier to implement.
I am not waiting for graduation to implement was is being taught here. In fact, I have
taken advantage of the projects and assignments to create actual works that I can and am
using in the real world. I have already built an ISD template to help me evaluate training
needs and develop training workshops that addresses those needs. This and other
concepts I have learned are already making a difference in my profession.

References
Clark, R., Mayer, R., (2011). e-Learning and the science of instruction. (3rd Edition) Dan
Francisco CA: Pfeiffer