One of my research interests is cooperation in human societies: how it comes to exist, when and how it breaks down, and how to leverage it within the context of education. Of late, I've been looking at some of the structures of place that are intertwined with the functioning of cooperation, and how those structures translate into the online world. In particular, I've been interested in how "third places" are constructed in the online world, and how they connect to educational institutions.
I have uploaded the slides and audio for a talk I gave on this subject at the 2006 NMC Regional Conference. I will be interested to hear all feedback and comments that people might have, as well as links to relevant research.
Posted by Ruben at December 1, 2006 11:48 PMI have noticed (in the context of a high school classroom)that cooperation usually happens when the majority of students 1) expect that they will or atleast have the potential to feel successful and 2) expect that they will be rewarded for continued attempts at cooperating (even if those attempts are met with noncooperation). Cooperation seems to increase VERY rapidy (like a phase transition), even out and then maintain a steady level for as long as the majority of students are engaged in the activity at hand.
Posted by: Katy Schonbeck at March 2, 2007 1:00 PMThanks for highlighting the 'Third Place' Ruben. You've a very interesting blog and site.
I believe that Hodges' model a conceptual framework could inform the creation of a 3rd place. You and your readers may find the site and blog below of interest?
Best regards
http://hodges-model.blogspot.com/