Reportal - Assessing an Online Collaborative Document Authoring Environment

Authors

Gregory Baatard, Edith Cowan University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Computer and Information Science

RAS ID

5369

Comments

Baatard, G. (2007). Reportal-Assessing an Online Collaborative Document Authoring Environment.

Abstract

Reportal is an online groupware application developed by the author which provides a centralised environment for small groups to collaboratively author complex documents such as project reports. The application was used by 36 on campus and 23 online university students for a 20 day period to complete their group-based assignment work, and feedback regarding the application was gathered via a post-usage questionnaire. This paper uses data from the questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of Reportal, and determine four recommendations relevant to all collaborative authoring environments. Relating to design, functionality and integration, these recommendations seek to assist in the development of similar applications, for the betterment of online collaborative learning.