Article Review

Article Title: Benefits of Cooperative Learning in Weblog Networks
Authors: Jenny Wang and Yuehchiu Fang; National Formosa University

The main advantage of educational blogging pointed out in this study is that it can be used as a vehicle for cooperative learning. The study found that “online communication (blogs) promoted autonomous learning among students (Wang & Fang)”. This speaks to the positive interdependence of cooperative learning.

Another advantage noted was that learners benefited from self-assessment and peer assessment and learning from each other in the transfer of knowledge. Also, they referenced students as active participants instead of passive listeners.

I was somewhat confused by the reference to “working with diversity via trust building”. I am not sure if they meant diversity of opinion or diversity of the make-up of the class.

One disadvantage of educational blogging was “the quality of interaction of online communication”. I am assuming this statement was in relationship to the style of writing being that the focus of the study was a Rhetoric and Writing class.

I tend to disagree with the finding that “face-to-face class interaction was also highly needed for fostering students’ learning”. From personal experience, I have been in many online courses and enjoyed rich learning experiences with cooperative learning groups. The summary did further state that if face-to-face learning is needed for fostering students’ learning then the instructor’s role takes on even more importance in “enhancing student learning”. I agree with the importance of creating a cooperative learning environment whether online or face-to-face.