CSCL+Discussion+questions

__**Group Discussion Topics/Questions (we need to nut this out and fine tune the questions-esp variation for Q1)**__

Based on the Merrill reading discuss problem centered learning (guided) vs problem based learning (minimal instruction). What are the advantages and disadvantages to each?

Based on the Merrill reading discuss problem centered learning (guided) vs problem based learning (minimal instruction). What are the advantages and disadvantages to each? Work through the following questions and present a summary based on these questions as your answer to the question above.

Thinking about some training and/or communities of practice you have been involved in:
 * Have problem centered or problem based approaches been taken? What are the elements that you can draw on to come to that conclusion?
 * What has worked well in either of these approaches?
 * What has not worked well?
 * If you were to design a community of practice what are the elements you would include? Are these problem centered or problem based approaches?

Using the ideas in the Rosenberg reading 'Learning through online collaboration', develop an outline of a plan to develop a community of practice for people in your profession (choose one profession for the group to consider). In doing this consider:
 * What has been your experience of communities of practice that have been successful and unsuccessful?
 * What helped to make them successful?
 * What kinds of support would you offer?
 * Would you ensure a moderator/facilitator had input on a regular basis? How regular? What kinds of things would you comment on or do?
 * Would you include IM and how would it be used? What other technological tools would you use?

Based on the Larusson reading 'Wikis to support the "Collaborative" part of collaborative learning', consider how you might use them in your professional capacity. Some example questions to assist discussion groups:
 * In your experience, how do wikis assist knowledge sharing within learning communities?
 * Outline some of the advantages and disadvantages of wikis that you may encounter in your professional setting.
 * In what ways would they assist learning in your professional community?