Designing a Group Awareness Tool for Online Graduate Non-Traditional Students: A Design-Based Research

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Student Experiences in Online Learning Environments

Abstract

This design-based research explored non-traditional graduate students’ perceptions and experiences with a user-centered Group Awareness Tool (GAT) designed to enhance social presence in online collaborative learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, we found that features supporting task visualization, group progress monitoring, and instructor feedback were rated as most useful, as they promoted shared accountability and effective workload management. In contrast, features intended to support relationship-building and communication received lower ratings. Some participants reported challenges in updating the GAT, while teams with strong pre-existing dynamics found it less essential. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of GATs depends not only on thoughtful design but also on learner attitudes, group dynamics, and instructor support in fostering meaningful collaboration and social presence.

Authors

• Feliza Marie Mercado, Texas Tech University

• Sungwon Shin, Texas Tech University

• Min Huang, Texas Tech University