Cooperative work supplemented by eGroups: learner perspectives

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Engineering

RAS ID

8070

Comments

Al-Abdeli, Y. M. (2009). Cooperative work supplemented by eGroups: learner perspectives. In 20th Annual Conference for the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 6-9 December 2009: Engineering the Curriculum (p. 375). Engineers Australia.

Abstract

Online tools challenge and strengthen learning and teaching processes. 24-7 availability of teaching materials means educators need to continually identify what 'value added' students reap by attending class whereas access to online courses broadens learning horizons through distance education. Proliferation of software gadgets in learning management systems affects accessibility to, and delivery media for, course material. Evidence suggests that online tools help supplement face-to-face interaction for learners and instructors (learner-learner, learner-instructor). This puts the onus on resource administrators 'us teachers' to seek out and trial some of these tools. This study reports on basic ways by which communication between learners and instructors can be supported electronically in group-based cooperative work for on-campus units. Data from surveys, conducted at the end of the teaching semester, provides quantitative and qualitative insights into the usefulness learners perceive from having additional communication tools at their disposal.

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