Learning theories and approaches: part 2

Part 1 of this editorial examined activity theory linked to learning in e-contexts and interactions between software, organizations and social groups and to concepts of situated learning. In this issue, related concepts of collaborative and situated learning are explored. Collaborative learning has been described as an instruction/learning method in which learners work in groups toward a common instructional/learning goal or a situation in which 2 or more people learn or attempt to learn something together. Unsurprisingly, many sites now discuss collaborative e-learning as offering organizations virtual teams and networking opportunities. There is a dearth of information regarding collaborative learning in workplaces and those sites that do deal with this topic are commercial sites with few details.