The beginning of a definition of CSCL

I need to work on my own definition of CSCL. I think I'll start by taking it apart, so that I can get at the underlying subtexts of that make up my impression of the term, and then I'll explore the readings.

Computer - like 'online', 'digital', and 'e-/electronic', 'computer' seems to have shifted to refer to any kind of technology that involves the Internet. However appropriate that seems in this context, I will try to keep in mind that 'computer' may simple refer to any computer technology, whether or not it involves the Internet, or even if it involves any sort of communication.

Supported - working for a state 'supported' institution, I'm familiar with the shades of meaning that this word often has. 'Supported' seems to indicate that while important, the subject (computer) is assisting the object (learning). The object could exist/happen without the subject.

Collaborative - you can't collaborate without collaborators, so this has to involve more than one person. There is also an aspect of mutuality--I help you and you help me.

Learning - Oh boy! What is learning?! To me, learning is about changing my world view to be more accurate, so that I'm able to make better decisions, or at least better guesses, about the world, the present, and the future. Of course, you can learn things that change your world view for the worse, too, but I think I'll stick with my positive view for now. My view of learning is constructivist in nature, since I'm modifying and adding to my existing world view.

Computer Supported - the computer technologies, and, most likely, Internet technologies, are assisting the accomplishment. Again, the accomplishment could happen without the computer, but will, hopefully, happen better with it. The most obvious technologies will be communication related, but this could also involve data processing and visualization.

Collaborative Learning - mutual world view changing. I can take advantage of the insights of everyone in the group, I don't need to think of everything myself. I also have an obligation to provide insights to the group. Lurking isn't collaborative.

Computer Supported Collaborative Learning - the use of computer technologies, especially Internet technologies, to assist a group to gain insights that will make the world views of the individuals more accurate. A little simplistic, maybe, but that's my basic understanding of the words.

I want to add one more definition: technology. It's a pet peeve of mine; 'technology' does not equal 'computer' or 'Internet'. A book is technology; a pencil is technology. Technology is the product of the human mind that allows that mind to work better. Language is a technology! And sometimes, the simplest technologies that we don't think of as technologies any more are the best tools for a particular job.

Now that I have my assumptions laid out, I can review the readings, and see if my assumptions match the accepted definitions. If they do, great! If not, I need to watch out, because my version will color my understanding. I may need to do a little extra construction in my constructivist learning.

Personal Learning Goals

OK, let's start at the beginning. What do I want out of a course called Intro to Computer Supported Collaborative Learning?

I want ideas on making collaborative learning easier and more fun for both online students and faculty.
I want to know what sorts of topics/programs/assignments CSCL works well for, and what it doesn't work well for.
I want some concrete examples that I can talk about when I go to our campus summer faculty technology workshop.

What I can bring to a course called Intro to CSCL?

One of my graduate degrees is in Adult Education and Distance Learning, so I have a good solid base of standard educational theory for distance learning.
I'm a librarian with a focus in online resources, especially open access ones. I know what kinds of knowledge artifacts are out there and how to find them.
Librarians are collaborative by nature! (Also acquisitive, so I have all sorts of stuff squirreled away, like 1500 links in delicious.)

Intro to Computer Supported Collaborative Learning

I'm starting this blog as an accompaniment to the P2P University course, Intro to Computer Supported Collaborative Learning.