Theoretical Framework

Linda Harasim (2012, p.81) proposed a fresh learning theory that focuses on Internet facilities to
provide learning environments that enable collaborative learning, knowledge development, and
Internet use as a strategy to redefine formal and non-formal education for the Knowledge Age.
The theory is called the Online Collaborative Learning theory (OCL) which (Joseph Walther,
1992) originally called Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), or networked learning.

Core Design Principles of OCL

According to Harasim, there exist three phases of knowledge construction through discourse in
a group:

1. Idea generating: the brainstorming phase, where divergent thoughts are gathered

2. Idea organizing: the phase where ideas are compared, analyzed and categorized through
discussion and argument

3. Intellectual convergence: the phase where intellectual synthesis and consensus occurs,
including agreeing to disagree, usually through an assignment, essay, or other joint piece of
work (Harasim, 2012, p.81)

OCL is derived from social constructivism because students are encouraged to address
problems jointly through discourse and the teacher serves as both a facilitator and a member of
the learning community. This is an important feature of OCL, as well as other constructivist
theories. According to Jean Piaget (1936,1950), humans generate knowledge by interacting
with their experiences and ideas. Because of his notions that the individual is at the heart of the
knowledge creation and acquisition process, Piaget's constructivism provides the inspiration for
radical constructivism.

The end result of OCL is the Final Position, although a learner is never truly finished generating,
organizing, and synthesizing ideas, and continues those processes at progressively deeper
levels. Harasim believes that the teacher is essential to this knowledge production, not only by
assisting the process and offering resources to the group, but also by ensuring that the subject
domain's key concepts and practices are fully incorporated.

References:

Online Collaborative Learning Theory (Harasim). (2017, December 17). Retrieved from
https://learning-theories.com/online-collaborative-learning-theory-harasim.html

Brau, B., Brau, & Kimmons, R. (1970, January 01). Constructivism. Retrieved from
https://edtechbooks.org/studentguide/constructivism#:~:text=Jean%20Piaget,-Jean
%20Piaget%20is&text=His%20theories%20indicate%20that%20humans,knowledge
%20creation%20and%20acquisition%20process.

Picciano, A. (2017). Theories and frameworks for online education. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319452611_Theories_and_Frameworks_for_Online_E
ducation_Seeking_an_Integrated_Model

About online collaborative learning. (2018, May 25). Retrieved from

https://www.lindaharasim.com/online-collaborative-learning/

Lynch, M. (2018, December 22). Digital Learning Theories and models that all educators should
know. Retrieved from https://www.thetechedvocate.org/digital-learning-theories-and-
models-that-all-educators-should-know/

Breen, H. (1970, January 01). Figure 1 from examining Harasim's online collaborative learning
theory for nursing education: Semantic scholar. Retrieved from
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Examining-Harasim's-online-collaborative-
learning-Breen/ed5877501513fcbb2a6bfc1c1435e915f65b2efc/figure/0