B. Determine the Grouping Strategy

After examining the availability of hardware and software, you will have a better idea of which grouping strategies are feasible. For example, if you only have access to one or two computers, you could plan a large group activity or assign small groups that will rotate to the computer. If you have a computer lab, numerous computers in your classroom, or access to a portable cart full of computers, you might decide to focus on individual activities or small groups. The following tables list some of the advantages and disadvantages of various group sizes (Ivers and Barron, 2002).

One important aspect of group learning is role assignment. Assigning roles helps to ensure that all students participate and that no one person dominates a group. Roles may be based on group behaviors, computer tasks, or project assignments. For example, in a group of three students, the following roles could be assumed by the students:

• Keyboarder - enters information in to the computer
• Editor - oversees content
• Record keeper - keeps track of group's progress 

Project roles may also be related to design and development issues (especially for long-term multimedia projects). In this case, students may play one or more of the roles outlined below.

Try This

Read the following articles about cooperative learning and technology.

• Best Practice: Facilitating Cooperative Groups at the Computer
• The Essential Elements of Cooperative Learning in the Classroom

Which techniques do you think will work best in your classroom?