Computer Supported Collaborative Learning

Given the rigorous demands of new college-and-career ready standards such as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), it is imperative that we transform our teacher preparation programs to help teachers change both what and how they teach. 21st Century teaching must be student-centered and provide teachers opportunities to work collaboratively in planning effective lessons. One key way to support this new way of teaching is through the use of technology as a tool for student learning and teacher collaboration. Technology is increasingly becoming prevalent in classrooms (driven in part by the need for computer-based testing). As a teaching tool, technology has the potential to support teachers by engaging students in dynamic, interactive, collaborative learning activities. However, many teachers do not have the skills needed to take full advantage of some of the ways technology can positively transform their practice. To help teachers use technology effectively, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) has been developing a model for helping inservice science teachers employ the key principles of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) in their instruction. At the same time, our research with secondary math teachers has demonstrated the value of collaborative lesson-design known as the Responsive Teacher Cycle (RTC) to improve instruction and learning. This initiative will build on these two lines of research by integrating the findings into our CSUN teacher credential programs. We will begin with secondary science and math teachers in the first phase of the project and then expand our approach to all other subject areas and pathways, including elementary and special education credential programs.