How to Promote Collaborative Learning Online
The integration of online engagement with collaborative online learning assessment adds value to the teaching and learning experience. Technology has improved the assessment experience with discussion board assignments and group projects, and also by providing helpful resources such as video, audio, articles, and databases. Additionally, icebreaker activities in the early weeks, such as games and simulations further help to engage and attract students to work and communicate together. Collaborative learning has helped learners achieve a more complete level of knowledge, due to frequent interaction with their peers as they exchange ideas and information. It also gives instructors an idea of the level of students’ knowledge, understanding, and ability to participate in teamwork.
However, many adult learners typically deal with time constraints and various issues in their personal and working lives, and have established patterns and opinions. They may not be particularly receptive to participating much in group discussions or assignments, and it may also be difficult for learners to be available to meet with each other to work on these projects.
Instructions
Please explain the ways in which instructors should implement collaborative learning, and when they are appropriate to use. Additionally, please share your experiences regarding the positive and negative aspects of collaborative projects for any type of learning environment (face-to-face, online, blended, etc.).Scoring Rubric Link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/160384526/Scoring-RubricAdditional Learning Resources
Eberly Center (n.d.). Design and Teach a Course. Retrieved August 13, 2013 from http://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/design/instructionalstrategies/groupprojects/benefits.html
Horton, W. (2006). Designing for the Virtual Classroom, E-Learning by Design. Retrieved August 14, 2013 from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201360_04/MS_INDT/EIDT_6511/Week%207/Resources/Resources/embedded/Horton_Ch9_DesignVirtual_.pdf
Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building online communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom. Retrieved August 13, 2013 from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201360_04/MS_INDT/EIDT_6511/Week%207/Resources/Resources/embedded/Paloff_Ch8.pdf
Sherry, L. (1996). Issues in Distance Learning. Retrieved August 14, 2013 from http://home.comcast.net/~lorraine.sherry/publications/issues.html
Weimer, M. (2011). 10 Benefits of Getting Students to Participate in Classroom Discussions. Retrieved August 14, 2013 from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/10-benefits-of-getting-students-to-participate-in-classroom-discussions/
Instructors should implement collaborative learning every way possible. This doesn't mean that the quality (methods & frequency) should be compromised. Instructors must choose or approve the appropriate tools to help facilitate the collaboration. Students must make sure they understand what tools they are using and how to use them effectively and efficiently.
ReplyDeleteMy negative experience associated with online collaboration came as a result of age or generational gaps. The "older" members were not fond and did not know how to use some of the online collaboration tools whereas the "younger" members knew how to use it fluently. While the older members had more knowledge of the project they had a hard time conveying their information to other team members. This resulted in inefficiency and frustration amongst the team members. However, it was a great learning experience.
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteWithin a traditional classroom students are encouraged to work together during class discussions and group projects. For the online environment class discussions and other collaborative activities encourage collaboration among adults in both synchronous and asynchronous online environments for adult learners. For both course settings the process of learning can be enriched when adults are productively working together.
In my online experience getting adults to work together and produce a productive outcome can be extremely challenging for any instructor and the students.
The one great thing about being an adult learner and using collaborative tools is the fact that we get to pool our knowledge witch in the long run proves to engage and extend other students knowledge.