Online Collaborative Learning: Theory and Practice

Online Collaborative Learning: Theory and Practice provides a resource for researchers and practitioners in the area of online collaborative learning (also known as CSCL, computer-supported collaborative learning), particularly those working within a tertiary education environment. It includes articles of relevance to those interested in both theory and practice in this area. It attempts to answer such important current questions as: how can groups with shared goals work collaboratively using the new technologies? What problems can be expected, and what are the benefits? In what ways does online group work differ from face-to-face group work? And what implications are there for both educators and students seeking to work in this area?

Tim Roberts is currently a Senior Lecturer with the Faculty of Informatics and Communication on the Bundaberg campus of Central Queensland University, Australia. From 1992 to 1999 he was a Senior Lecturer with the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University, where in 1998 he was Acting Head of the Gippsland School of Computing and Information Technology. He has taught computer science and programming courses online since 1990 to thousands of students at three different universities, and is a strong believer that web-based courses are the way of the future. In 2001 he was responsible for the development of the Online Collaborative Learning in Higher Education web site, which aims to be a significant resource of use to both researchers and practitioners in this increasingly important area.