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An information processing perspective on divergence and convergence in collaborative learning

  • Robert L. Jorczak
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Abstract

This paper presents a model of collaborative learning that takes an information processing perspective of learning by social interaction. The collaborative information processing model provides a theoretical basis for understanding learning principles associated with social interaction and explains why peer-to-peer discussion is potentially more effective than instructor-student discussion. The model explains information divergence as a key process for collaborative learning and information convergence as a key group process for addressing specific learning outcomes.

Keywords

Learning Collaboration Information processing CSCL Divergence Convergence Collaborative learning Cooperative learning Social interaction Online discussion Group learning Learning theory 
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Copyright information

© International Society of the Learning Sciences, Inc.; Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.MinneapolisUSA

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