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One collaborative intelligence concept that remains underexplored in this MOOC is Distributed Intelligence, a framework that suggests intelligence is not located solely within an individual but is spread across people, tools, artifacts, and environments. Pea (1993) describes it as cognitive activity that is “stretched over” social and material resources. In digital and online learning, distributed intelligence becomes especially visible because learners rely heavily on collaborative technologies and computational support systems.

Definition

Distributed Intelligence refers to the idea that thinking and problem-solving occur not only in the mind but also through interactions with digital platforms, peers, and learning resources. Tools such as shared documents, wikis, AI writing assistants, discussion forums, and interactive simulations all become part of the learner’s expanded cognitive system. Learning happens between people, between tools, and across the network.

Example in Practice

A strong example of distributed intelligence is the use of Google Docs for real-time collaborative writing in MOOCs. When several learners annotate, edit, comment, and refine a shared document, the intelligence of the group is enhanced through:

Real-time co-editing

Comment threads and discussion bubbles

Version history (tracking idea development)

Integrated AI tools (spellcheckers, citation managers, summarizers)

Embedded media such as images, charts, and YouTube videos

Here is an open-access image illustrating collaborative editing: Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Etherpad_collaboration_graphic.png

And here is a short video explaining distributed intelligence: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n-HMSCDYtQ

Distributed intelligence helps learners construct meaning together by using tools that amplify their abilities. No single learner holds all the expertise; instead, expertise emerges through interaction.

References

APA Style

Pea, R. D. (1993). Practices of distributed intelligence and designs for education. In G. Salomon (Ed.), Distributed Cognitions: Psychological and Educational Considerations (pp. 47–87). Cambridge University Press. Wikimedia Commons. (2024). Etherpad collaboration graphic. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Etherpad_collaboration_graphic.png

MLA Style

Pea, Roy D. “Practices of Distributed Intelligence and Designs for Education.” Distributed Cognitions: Psychological and Educational Considerations, edited by Gavriel Salomon, Cambridge UP, 1993, pp. 47–87. “Etherpad Collaboration Graphic.” Wikimedia Commons, 2024, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Etherpad_collaboration_graphic.png.

Chicago Style

Pea, Roy D. 1993. “Practices of Distributed Intelligence and Designs for Education.” In Distributed Cognitions: Psychological and Educational Considerations, edited by Gavriel Salomon, 47–87. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Wikimedia Commons. 2024. “Etherpad Collaboration Graphic.” https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Etherpad_collaboration_graphic.png