Expanding the Traditional Classroom Through Computer Technology: Collaborative Learning in Graduate Social Science Courses

Abstract

Kertas kerja ini membincangkan penggunaan teknologi komputer untuk memperluaskan corak pengajaran dan pembelajaran bilik darjah tradisional. Perbincangan akan berpandukan beberapa isu mengenai teknik yang digunakan di institusi pengajian tinggi. Persoalan-persoalan yang dibangkitkan ialah (i) mengapakah teknik baru diperlukan untuk pengajaran dan pembelajaran pelajar-pelajar siswazah di institusi pengajian tinggi? (ii) apakah teknik semasa tidak mampu memberi pemahaman yang mantap di kalangan pelajar siswazah? (iii) teknik pengajaran manakah yang dapat memenuhi keperluan inkuiri minda pelajar siswazah untuk menggarap ilmu tanpa sempadan? (iv) apakah cabaran-cabaran yang dihadapi oleh pensyarah-pensyarah dalam penstrukturan semula kursus menggunakan teknik baru? Kertas kerja ini juga akan membincagkan kaedah JIGSAW sebagai strategi yang boleh digunakan dalam pembelajaran kolaboratif melalui teknologi komputer. Kata kunci: Kolaboratif; komunikasi berperantarakan komputer; kelas elektronik; kemahiran interpersonal; JIGSAW II This paper discusses the use of computer technology in expanding the traditional college classroom. The discussion is guided around several issues concerning teaching and learning techniques in higher education institutions. Questions raised in the discussion are: (i) why are new teaching techniques needed in teaching and learning among graduate students of higher institutions? (ii) are the traditional teaching techniques in sufficient to ensure academic understanding among graduate students? (iii) which teaching techniques do accommodate students´ curiosity in acquiring borderless knowledge? and (iv) what are the challenges facing lecturers in structuring course curriculum using the new techniques? The paper also discusses the JIGSAW method as a strategy that could be used in collaborative learning via computer technology. Key words: Collaborative, computer mediated communication, electronic classroom, interpersonal skill, JIGSAW II