Advancing Collaborative Learning Pedagogy With Team Learning Systems

The advent of computers and the rapid advance in information technologies have forever changed the way we live. Recent times have also seen the immense impact of information technologies on education. There is now an integration of information technologies into a number of instructional methods which increase the possibility of better and more efficient learning for students. Innovative applications of ICTs can function as powerful tools that mediate and promote higher order thinking and support collaborative learning. Understanding the group dynamics and the collaborative process of learning in groups with computer assistance are interesting research fields. In this study, the use of the Zing Team Learning System (ZTLS) in enhancing collaborative learning pedagogy in terms of knowledge acquisition and creation is examined. The analysis of the results suggests that the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) could enable accessibility, flexibility and support for students within and across classrooms and has the potential to increase students' engagement and interaction. Using ICTs such as the Zing Team Learning System (ZTLS) motivates and encourages students to move to collaborative learning processes through the 'talk, type, read and review' procedures. The ZTLS positively supports requirements for intellectual quality, supportive classroom environments, recognition of difference, and connectedness to enhance classroom learning. However, more research is needed to further elaborate on teaching methods and practices associated with the use of the ZTLS, especially in the online environment.