Interaction synchronicity in web-based collaborative learning systems

New Search

Print Abstract

E-mail Abstract

Full Text

Save to My Collections

Export Citation

Bader-Natal, A. (2009). Interaction synchronicity in web-based collaborative learning systems. In T. Bastiaens et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2009 (pp. 1121-1129). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/32603.

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Conference Information

World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education (ELEARN) 2009
Vancouver, Canada
October 26, 2009
ISBN 1-880094-76-2
  Theo Bastiaens, Jon Dron & Cindy Xin
AACE

More Information on ELEARN
Table of Contents

Author

Ari Bader-Natal, Grockit, Inc., United States

Abstract

While many web-based learning systems connect students asynchronously, fewer systems focus on facilitating synchronous interactions among learners. Given the value of real-time communication – the social and motivational benefits of having a cohort of peers and the ability for a student to get immediate answers to pressing questions – it is perhaps surprising that more systems do not support interaction synchronicity. We suggest that this is due, in part, to a mismatch between the hypertext document-oriented nature of the web and the social activity-oriented nature of learning, and we explore how several systems address this discrepancy. We discuss Grockit, a web-based learning environment that we designed to support both synchronous and asynchronous interactions, and share lessons learned from grappling with the choices enabled by this flexibility: Which interactions should to be synchronous? Which should be asynchronous? Which should be a mix? What should that mix be?

Also Read

• Designing with and for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: The Evolution of GeoThentic
• Using e-Learning Technologies in Developing Remeditainment Products for the Treatment of Children with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
• Post degree online course in Haematopathology and e-Learning: description of an innovative curriculum in e-Learning
• Podcasts in Higher Education: What Students Want, What They Really Need, and How This Might be Supported
• Using RSS in Collaborative Course Development
• Teaching for Success: Technology and Learning Styles in Preservice Teacher Education
• Reducing E-Learning Development Costs Using a Streamlined XML-based Approach
• Using Authentic Situations and Avatars to Build Knowledge in an E-Learning Environment
• Inspiring Learning and Teaching: Using e-tools to Facilitate Change
• Scenario making support in PBL

Tags