Computer-supported cooperative learning has two broad approaches. First, it utilizes computers in the educational setting for the transmission of knowledge in a manner that emphasizes group cooperative efforts among the students and teacher. The learning process is not one-way--teacher to student--but involves active participation, interaction and the sharing of information. The computer is a vehicle where learning can occur via discussion ("chat rooms," for example) and is also the means by which the information flows. The second approach of computer supported cooperative learning pertains more to the meeting or workshop setting. Researchers of various backgrounds can meet on-line to discuss an issue. Both approaches are intended to promote the exchange of ideas, and so to develop new ways of examining an issue.

Computer-supported cooperative learning does not replace teachers or the lecture style of teaching. Rather, it is designed as a tool...