The future value of collaborative online learning ( COL ) for ODL

• Main Authors: Wagner, Karl, Kaur, Jaspal
• Format: Article
• Subjects: LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
• Online Access: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/142/1/the_future_value.pdf; http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/142/
• Institution: Open University Malaysia

COL described here is the online interaction between students who are prompted to discuss course-related items for their team assignments. They will be rewarded by marks for doing so. Alongside with traditional examinations, we consider this kind of progressive Collaborative Online Learning (COL) equally as the most important evaluation factor within an open distant learning university of the future. However, the usage of this kind of learning is still at a stage of infancy. Subsequently, the commitment to make proper use of it will be derived from a state-of-the-art definition that links back to the bind spot also of the most recent international publications on COL. A. In the first part, this paper focuses on progressive COL by a cluster content analysis. We will ask how many of the current undergraduate programmes at Open University Malaysia are utilizing this idea. As a result, based upon the previous definition, it is stated that there is basically NO progressive COL which is triggered by the tutors in charge. B. Subsequently, the paper would like to elaborate on the slumbering potential that lies in COL. The authors suggest that it is not only an eminent tool for the students to rehearse for real-life virtual teams, but it is deemed as one of the most efficient consequences of modern online learning at all. C. Thereupon, in the third part, a catalogue of tailor-made recommendations for progressive COL will be derived a) Entailing the steps of how the usage of COL could be improved. b) Comprising of a catalogue is thrown out which proposes a future tutor evaluation checklist. c) It will conclude in practical ideas of benchmarking how to trigger COL among tutors in charge.