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Online Collaboration: Introduction to the Special Issue

by Sloan-C

Author Information

Author(s):

Karen Swan, Research Center for Educational Technology

Institution(s) or Organization(s) Where Research Occured:

Kent State University

Volume and Issue Information

Volume:

10

Issue:

1

Month:

February

Year:

2006

A wide range of theoretical and empirical analyses emphasize the importance of active participation and collaboration among students in promoting the effectiveness of online learning. Collaboration models activity in the workplace, helps students to actively construct knowledge, enhances students' understanding and appreciation of diversity, and may give students a sense of belonging online. Perhaps most importantly, collaboration allows distant students to interact socially and develop a feeling of community in online courses. Yet, many online educators remain unsure of why, when, and how to introduce collaboration in their online classes. This special issue is designed to provide help with collaborative activities. This special issue grew out of a workshop sponsored by the Sloan Consortium held in Victoria, British Columbia at Royal Roads University. Researchers and leaders in the field of online learning were invited to the workshop and organized into five teams to address five challenges. This issue was developed in response to Challenge 3: Challenge 3 (Collaboration): What are the best ways to do collaboration, especially collaboration for teaching and learning? The group may wish to consider broader collaboration methods that aid collaboration across institutions or focus on pedagogical constructs.

Find related content with this links:

• Course Design
• Pedagogy
• Assessment
• Learning Outcomes
• Partnerships
• Volume 10:1 - February 2006