It involves reading of innovative theories and methodologies of cognitive science. This involves concepts of mind, self-consciousness, interpersonal relations, learning and collaboration. This semester focuses on the theory of instructional technology. We will monitor our own computer-supported collaborative learning. While not a specific focus this semester, the role of language in social learning is an important recurrent theme throughout the readings.
Language is the prime mediator of collaborative cognition.
The readings provide a good introduction to cultural psychology, situated cognition and activity theory. The class will be an experiment in collaborative software usage and in how to structure classroom practices to optimize software effectiveness. Mind in Society . Harvard U. Press. Situating Learning in Communities of Practice.