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Benefits and Challenges of Collaborative Learning in Online Teacher Education
OAI: oai:igi-global.com:223605 • DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-8009-6.ch002
Published by: IGI Global
Abstract
Demand for online learning is increasing in US colleges and universities. Learning does not occur in a vacuum; students learn independently and collaboratively. But, is there room for collaborative learning in online courses? This chapter presents information on how a teacher educator designed and implemented collaborative learning in a developmental reading online course for preservice and inservice educators in grades P-12. The author presents details on course design issues, instructional practices, benefits, and challenges associated with collaborative learning in this online course, and implications for further development and evaluation of collaborative learning in teacher preparation programs. The author also provides recommendations from lessons learned for promoting collaboration in online teacher education courses.