ERIC Number: EJ1231557
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Oct
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1302-6488
EISSN: N/A
Why Does Collaborative Learning Not Always Work Even When the Appropriate Tools Are Available?
Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, v20 n4 Article 2 p11-30 Oct 2019
Today, more and more working adults are opting for the Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode to pursue their tertiary studies as it offers them the flexibility to study anywhere, any time and at one's own pace. But studying at a distance can be problematic for many learners, with the absence of regular traditional face-to-face sessions. Some find it difficult to adapt to this new learning environment and become easily isolated. Collaborative Learning (CL) can help overcome this isolation and boost learning performance. To investigate the implications of CL in the ODL environment, a study was conducted with 155 learners at the Open University of Mauritius. The study revealed that at least one third of the respondents were not participating in CL and were thus missing on the benefits of "learning together". The others had adopted CL to understand the course content, discuss assignments and get better marks. This study also showed that tutors' role was vital in encouraging learners delve in CL. Respondents deplored the lack of appropriate infrastructure and meeting places to hold CL meetings. They also reported lack of awareness of the benefits of CL and difficulty in finding time due to family and professional commitment as some of the obstacles to CL.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Cooperative Learning, Open Education, Distance Education, Open Universities, Adult Students, Student Adjustment, Interpersonal Relationship, Student Satisfaction, Tutors, Preferences, Online Courses, Computer Mediated Communication, Electronic Mail, Meetings, Electronic Learning, Educational Benefits, Barriers
Anadolu University. Office of the Rector, Eskisehir, 26470, Turkey. Tel: +90-222-335-34-53; Fax: +90-222-335-34-86; e-mail: rektor@anadolu.edu.tr; e-mail: TOJDE@anadolu.edu.tr; Web site: http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Mauritius
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A