NCTIES2023

Online Learner Collaboration (OLC) supports the development of knowledge and skills through social construction. The presenter completed a systematic review of the literature on this topic and found that the most commonly used technologies for OLC were learning management systems (LMS), discussion boards, writing tools, and synchronous tools. The most commonly used collaborative methods were group projects and discussions. The most common grouping size was small groups, which were commonly formed through random assignment, based on criteria or students formed. Instructors mostly assumed roles as designers, facilitators, supporters, and evaluators during OLC. Increased learning, communication and collaboration skills, and relationship-building were the top three opportunities that OLC offered. Time, technical issues, and anxiety/fear/stress were challenges that appeared most frequently. Most of the research on OLC focused on cognitive and affective outcomes. This session will detail best practices for building online learner collaboration, including techniques, tools, and sample projects.  Attendees that bring devices will have the opportunity to explore some of the tools and techniques provided with some hands-on practice and guidance.