Online collaboration and cooperation: The recurring importance of evidence, rationale and viability

Abstract

This paper investigates collaboration in teaching and learning and draws out implications for the promotion of collaboration within online environments. It is divided into four sections. First the case for collaboration, including specifically cooperative approaches, is explored. This case revolves around the impact of collaboration on the quality of learning and on learning outcomes. Collaboration is seen as constrained by context but, if structured and rewarded, it will bring important motivational and cognitive benefits. Next, the case for online collaboration is examined. This is based on longstanding arguments about the benefits of working together albeit in an environment which offers greater reach; a mix of media; and archives of interaction. The third section of the paper compares perspectives on online collaboration with a longer tradition of research into collaboration in general; it critiques the idea that online mediation offers a paradigm change in teaching and learning. The fourth section of the paper considers future directions for promoting online collaboration.

Online Collaborative Learning via Astronomy Online Lab: A Cross-cultural Communicative Experience for Malaysian and UK Students

“…Online collaborations promote significant benefits in respect to theoretical underpinning (knowledge building); environmental opportunities (ICT opportunities and mix of media) and constraints (ICT uptake constrained by environment); approaches (rewards and structures including PBL); benefits (fit with information society and 21 st -century skills): and methods of evaluation (mix of approaches) (Hammond, 2017). Such advantages offered by online collaborative exercise were earlier deliberated by Yang et al (2014) who classified the five key elements of collaborative learning into students' interdependence, individual accountability, online interaction opportunities, social skills development, and group work completion.…”

A Device Independent Platform for Synchronous Internet of Things Collaboration and Mobile Devices Screen Casting

“…WebRTC (Web Real Time Communication) is an API that permits ongoing distributed correspondence between programs without the utilization of extra plug-ins. It is contended that online cooperation utilized as a part of instruction prompts more positive learning results (learning through interest in a gathering) and more connected with learners [11].…”

Developing a Strategic Approach to MOOCs

“…Including and eliciting learners' own ideas and projects would also be a way of developing greater involvement . Collaboration is important, and MOOC providers need to consider in more detail how best to support collaboration (Celina et al, 2016;Hammond, 2016).…”