Student's Perceptions of Collaboration Tools in a Higher Education Online Collaborative Learning Environment

Student's Perceptions of Collaboration Tools in a Higher Education Online Collaborative Learning Environment PDF Author: Kirk C. Henry
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Distance education
Languages : en
Pages : 150

Get Book Here

Book Description
Higher education funding and student behavior has been changing rapidly (Dervarics,2008). Because of this, there has been an increased focus on the use of alternative tools for course delivery. One of the emerging areas of focus has been an increased interest in the use of communication and information technologies (Curtis & Lawson, 2001). Currently, there are a wide variety of flexible delivery methods that have been used as well as their associated tools. Naturally, questions have been raised about the efficacy of these tools on the quality of student-student, student-teacher, and student-content interaction (Curtis & Lawson, 2001). Interaction and Collaboration may be versatile tools within the online learning environment, but the main concern for instructional designers and instructors is improving student outcomes within the online learning environment. Unfortunately, there isn't much research to guide instructors and developers as to which online collaboration tools promote transformative pedagogy, and research appears non-existent indicating the preferences of students and faculty regarding specific online collaboration tools. A host of interactive events are possible within an online learning environment. Some are viewed as essential and others may assume a more supplemental role. Participants reported that they preferred to interact with other students and their instructor using the discussion board within the online learning environment. Additionally, the participants believe that their interaction with the text was of less importance than their interaction with the instructor. Learners indicated that the discussion board was valued over all other collaboration tools available within the course. However, it is certainly possible that in other learning environments such findings may differ. Further study is needed to determine whether the initial insights of participants reflect reasonable trends in interaction or merely an isolated instance. This study was conducted using a mixed methods research approach. Mixed methods research allows the inclusion of issues and strategies that surround methods of data collection, methods of research, and related philosophical issues (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie & Turner, 2007). When qualitative and quantitative datasets are mixed, the datasets often provide richer insights into the phenomenon than if either qualitative or quantitative datasets alone were used. Additionally, using a mixed methods approach provides strengths that offset the weaknesses inherent in each sole approach (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007; Jick, 1979). Rather than limiting the study to a single ideology, the research was able to utilize all possible methods to explore a research problem. The results of this study provide guidelines for instructional designers developing instructional strategies for online environments. The importance of well-designed instruction was reinforced by this study. The components of "well-designed instruction" can span beyond stimulus-response or drill and practice activities to include a wide range of dynamic interactions using a wide range of increasingly specific tools. Such diverse interactions using the correct tools collectively comprise a dynamic learning environment encompassing one or more learning communities that can expand well beyond the restrictions of any single course selection, thereby connecting learners in unique ways.

Student's Perceptions of Collaboration Tools in a Higher Education Online Collaborative Learning Environment

Student's Perceptions of Collaboration Tools in a Higher Education Online Collaborative Learning Environment PDF Author: Kirk C. Henry
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Distance education
Languages : en
Pages : 150

Get Book Here

Book Description
Higher education funding and student behavior has been changing rapidly (Dervarics,2008). Because of this, there has been an increased focus on the use of alternative tools for course delivery. One of the emerging areas of focus has been an increased interest in the use of communication and information technologies (Curtis & Lawson, 2001). Currently, there are a wide variety of flexible delivery methods that have been used as well as their associated tools. Naturally, questions have been raised about the efficacy of these tools on the quality of student-student, student-teacher, and student-content interaction (Curtis & Lawson, 2001). Interaction and Collaboration may be versatile tools within the online learning environment, but the main concern for instructional designers and instructors is improving student outcomes within the online learning environment. Unfortunately, there isn't much research to guide instructors and developers as to which online collaboration tools promote transformative pedagogy, and research appears non-existent indicating the preferences of students and faculty regarding specific online collaboration tools. A host of interactive events are possible within an online learning environment. Some are viewed as essential and others may assume a more supplemental role. Participants reported that they preferred to interact with other students and their instructor using the discussion board within the online learning environment. Additionally, the participants believe that their interaction with the text was of less importance than their interaction with the instructor. Learners indicated that the discussion board was valued over all other collaboration tools available within the course. However, it is certainly possible that in other learning environments such findings may differ. Further study is needed to determine whether the initial insights of participants reflect reasonable trends in interaction or merely an isolated instance. This study was conducted using a mixed methods research approach. Mixed methods research allows the inclusion of issues and strategies that surround methods of data collection, methods of research, and related philosophical issues (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie & Turner, 2007). When qualitative and quantitative datasets are mixed, the datasets often provide richer insights into the phenomenon than if either qualitative or quantitative datasets alone were used. Additionally, using a mixed methods approach provides strengths that offset the weaknesses inherent in each sole approach (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007; Jick, 1979). Rather than limiting the study to a single ideology, the research was able to utilize all possible methods to explore a research problem. The results of this study provide guidelines for instructional designers developing instructional strategies for online environments. The importance of well-designed instruction was reinforced by this study. The components of "well-designed instruction" can span beyond stimulus-response or drill and practice activities to include a wide range of dynamic interactions using a wide range of increasingly specific tools. Such diverse interactions using the correct tools collectively comprise a dynamic learning environment encompassing one or more learning communities that can expand well beyond the restrictions of any single course selection, thereby connecting learners in unique ways.

Collaborative Learning Techniques

Collaborative Learning Techniques PDF Author: Elizabeth F. Barkley
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118761677
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 455

Get Book Here

Book Description
A guide to thirty-five creative assignments for pairs and groups Collaborative Learning Techniques is the bestseller that college and university faculty around the world have used to help them make the most of small group learning. A mountain of evidence shows that students who learn in small groups together exhibit higher academic achievement, motivation, and satisfaction than those who don't. Collaborative learning puts into practice the major conclusion from learning theory: that students must be actively engaged in building their own minds. In this book, the authors synthesize the relevant research and theory to support thirty-five collaborative learning activities for use in both traditional and online classrooms. This second edition reflects the changed world of higher education. New technologies have opened up endless possibilities for college teaching, but it's not always easy to use these technologies effectively. Updated to address the challenges of today's new teaching environments, including online, "flipped," and large lectures, Collaborative Learning Techniques is a wonderful reference for educators who want to make the most of any course environment. This revised and expanded edition includes: Additional techniques, with an all-new chapter on using games to provide exciting, current, technologically-sophisticated curricula A section on effective online implementation for each of the thirty-five techniques Significantly expanded pedagogical rationale and updates on the latest research showing how and why collaborative learning works Examples for implementing collaborative learning techniques in a variety of learning environments, including large lecture classes and "flipped" classes Expanded guidance on how to solve common problems associated with group work The authors guide instructors through all aspects of group work, providing a solid grounding in what to do, how to do it, and why it is important for student learning. The detailed procedures in Collaborative Learning Techniques will help teachers make sure group activities go smoothly, no matter the size or delivery method of their classes. With practical advice on how to form student groups, assign roles, build team spirit, address unexpected problems, and evaluate and grade student participation, this new edition of the international classic makes incorporating effective group work easy.

Collaborating Online

Collaborating Online PDF Author: Rena M. Palloff
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470876018
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 132

Get Book Here

Book Description
Collaborating Online provides practical guidance for faculty seeking to help their students work together in creative ways, move out of the box of traditional papers and projects, and deepen the learning experience through their work with one another. Authors Rena Palloff and Keith Pratt draw on their extensive knowledge and experience to show how collaboration brings students together to support the learning of each member of the group while promoting creativity and critical thinking. Collaborating Online is the second title in the Jossey-Bass Guides to Online Teaching and Learning. This series helps higher education professionals improve the practice of online teaching and learning by providing concise, practical resources focused on particular areas or issues they might confront in this new learning environment.

Learning Theory and Online Technologies

Learning Theory and Online Technologies PDF Author: Linda Harasim
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136937757
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 282

Get Book Here

Book Description
Learning Theory and Online Technologies offers a powerful overview of the current state of elearning, a foundation of its historical roots and growth, and a framework for distinguishing among the major approaches to elearning. It effectively addresses pedagogy (how to design an effective online environment for learning), evaluation (how to know that students are learning), and history (how past research can guide successful online teaching and learning outcomes). An ideal textbook for undergraduate education and communication programs, and Educational Technology Masters, PhD, and Certificate programs, readers will find Learning Theory and Online Technologies provides a synthesis of the key advances in elearning theory, the key frameworks of research, and clearly links theory and research to successful learning practice.

The Effects of Online Collaborative Learning Activities on Student Perception of Level of Engagement

The Effects of Online Collaborative Learning Activities on Student Perception of Level of Engagement PDF Author: Ondrea Michelle Quiros
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 196

Get Book Here

Book Description
As online learning becomes more popular, higher education is becoming more interested in this new medium of learning. However, attrition has become a developing problem for colleges and universities that offer online classes, as some students found it was difficult to stay engaged in their online courses. From the literature, it was hypothesized that instructional designs that incorporate collaborative activities will lead to higher perceived engagement levels than those that incorporate individualistic learning. An exploratory study used a self-report survey instrument to measure students' perception of level of engagement in six graduate-level online classes (n=66). Half of the courses in the study integrated formal collaborative activities as a significant component of the course and half represented learning environments characterized by whole group and individualistic learning. The results showed a significant positive relationship between classes that used collaborative activities and engagement levels. However, the coded responses of the participants showed that while classes that use such activities had higher levels of engagement, it is possible that this may be attributable to other factors external to the formal elements of collaboration in the course. Recommendations are offered for future research that may help identify the elements that contribute to engagement in online courses.

Learning in Groups

Learning in Groups PDF Author: David Jaques
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134216335
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 388

Get Book Here

Book Description
Learning in groups, rather than in formal lectures or presentations, allows students to have greater scope to negotiate meaning and express themselves and their own ideas. It also helps them to establish far more effective releationships, not only with their tutors and trainers but with each other. Yet many tutors and trainers find the leadership role required when working in groups difficult to perform satisfactorily and revert to their traditional role as subject expert and prime talker. This handbook is a truly comprehensive guide for anyone involved in groupwork, containing advice and practical exercises to develop group learning skills for both learners and tutors. This new edition has been thoroughly updated, containing valuable new material throughout on group learning and collaborating online, action research and the role of reflection and emotional intelligence.

Online Collaborative Learning

Online Collaborative Learning PDF Author: Tim S. Roberts
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1591401755
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 321

Get Book Here

Book Description
Online Collaborative Learning: Theory and Practice provides a resource for researchers and practitioners in the area of online collaborative learning (also known as CSCL, computer-supported collaborative learning), particularly those working within a tertiary education environment. It includes articles of relevance to those interested in both theory and practice in this area. It attempts to answer such important current questions as: how can groups with shared goals work collaboratively using the new technologies? What problems can be expected, and what are the benefits? In what ways does online group work differ from face-to-face group work? And what implications are there for both educators and students seeking to work in this area?

Handbook of Research on Fostering Student Engagement With Instructional Technology in Higher Education

Handbook of Research on Fostering Student Engagement With Instructional Technology in Higher Education PDF Author: Alqurashi, Emtinan
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1799801217
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 567

Get Book Here

Book Description
Student engagement relies on the students and their willingness to participate in the learning process and can be enhanced through the application of various technologies within learning environments. However, strategies for implementing these technologies need research and development to be implemented effectively. The Handbook of Research on Fostering Student Engagement With Instructional Technology in Higher Education is a comprehensive academic publication that focuses on the engagement of learners with academics in higher education and especially how this engagement can be fostered with the integration of new technologies. Featuring an array of topics such as gamification, digital literacy, and social networking, this book is ideal for instructors, educators, administrators, curriculum developers, instructional designers, IT consultants, educational software developers, researchers, academicians, and students.

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning in Higher Education

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning in Higher Education PDF Author: Roberts, Tim S.
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 159140410X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 338

Get Book Here

Book Description
This book addresses computer-supported collaborative learning (also known as CSCL) particularly within a tertiary education environment. It includes articles on theory and practice in this area including topics such as: how can groups with shared goals work collaboratively using the new technologies? What problems can be expected, and what are the benefits? In what ways does online group work differ from face-to-face group work? And what implications are there for both educators and students seeking to work in this area?

Online Collaborative Learning Communities

Online Collaborative Learning Communities PDF Author: Chih-Hsiun Tu
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313058903
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 156

Get Book Here

Book Description
Applicable at every academic level and in any subject, the text offers practical guidelines that are based on effective, current theories, and the extensive online teaching experience of the author. The book details 21 effective designs with guidelines, strategies, examples, and tips to assist readers in designing their own Online Collaborative Learning Community regardless of grade level, or delivery system (online, face-to-face, or mixed).