Computers and the Collaborative Experience of Learning

261 pages. Cover worn. Text foxed.How can computers help children learn to collaborate? How is new technology best used in schools and colleges? Until now, the application of computers to educat ional practice has received little input from psychological theory. Computers an d the Collaborative Experience of Learning locates this topic within the contemp orary movement of socio-cultural theory, drawing on the writing of Vygotsky and others. Charles Crook reviews psychological approaches to cognition and learning , in so far as they implicitly direct strategy in respect of computer-based lear ning. He also takes a novel stance in considering how new technology can enhance rather than undermine the social experience of learning and instruction, and ca n allow teachers to achieve more in the classroom. He argues that computers can provide the conditions for effective collaboration and enhance the social dimens ion of education. With its unique blend of theory and practice, from the primary school to university settings, Computers and the Collaborative Experience of Le arning will be of interest to educational psychologists, as well as psychologist s studying group processes, cognition and development.…