Online Small-Group Learning Pedagogies for the 21st Century Classrooms

For the last three decades, the emergence of World Wide Web (WWW) communication networks, technological advances in Information Technology , and handheld mobile technological devices (e.g., tablets, IPads, smart phones), and... [ view full abstract ]

For the last three decades, the emergence of World Wide Web (WWW) communication networks, technological advances in Information Technology , and handheld mobile technological devices (e.g., tablets, IPads, smart phones), and powerful computer technologies have been continuously redefining, reshaping, and advancing the concept of online/distance learning and computer supported learning (CSL) to deliver instructional course content. 

Innovative online learning including the various alternative forms of online small-group learning pedagogies have been developed and implemented worldwide to replace or supplement the traditional face-to-face classroom instruction. Online teaching/learning using small-group learning methods via computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) systems such as problem-based learning (PBL), and collaborative learning (CL) are examples of such innovative reform-based collaborative student-driven pedagogies. 

Brief descriptions of some of the innovative small-group CSCL pedagogies that are used and implemented in the 21^st online courses as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these pedagogies will be presented.