Faculty Experiences With Collaborative Learning in the Online Classroom

• In Event: 16.060 - Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: 16.060-14 - Teachers' Perspectives on Satisfaction, Online Interaction, and Collaborative Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to identify the experiences that instructors in higher education have toward providing collaborative learning activities and opportunities in their online classroom. Through semi-structured interviews with four higher education instructors from two universities, information was collected concerning their provision of collaborative learning opportunities. A multi-phase coding process was used to analyze the information, including the constant comparative coding method for theme and category development. Three themes emerged from the study: online communication approaches matter, there are challenges and supports for online collaborative learning, and care is at the core of online learner support. The findings are discussed and recommendations are provided for the development and design of meaningful online collaborative learning.

Authors

• Heather Ann Robinson, University of North Texas

• Whitney Kilgore, University of North Texas

• Scott Joseph Warren, University of North Texas