Cooperative Learning Through New Technologies: A Review

Abstract

Information Communication Technologies have brought a revolution in education, causing structural changes in the way we teach and how we learn. Currently, the existence of a wide variety of virtual teaching-learning environments enables teachers and students to interact synchronously or asynchronously using computers and mobile devices. This has led to the implementation of active teaching-learning methodologies with proven pedagogical effectiveness, such as cooperative learning, that encourage students to acquire skills and improve their academic performance. Despite the importance of the subject, almost no papers have analysed the state-of-the-art on educational experiences that promote cooperative learning using new technologies. In order to respond to this demand, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the related bibliography that include a large number of papers written in Spanish in which new technologies are used to implement cooperative learning activities in different subjects and educational levels. From the analysis of these papers, it can be concluded that there is a growing interest by teachers and researchers in implementing cooperative learning using virtual teaching-learning environments and computer applications, as well as social networks or MOOC. Further, these experiences receive positive feedback from teachers and students involved.