Online Collaborative Learning and Assessment

This paper reports on a study which aims to investigate the impact of Online Collaborative Learning and Assessment (OCLA) on the learning and teaching of content subjects taken by first-year and third-year BA undergraduates. Specifically, the paper examines students’ approaches to and attitudes towards OCLA and evaluates the effectiveness of OCLA in addressing subject objectives from the student and teacher perspectives. Findings obtained from focus group discussions and online forum discussions show that students found the learning experience positive and useful, contributing not only to better understanding of subject knowledge, but also improvement in such generic skills as critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, team work and language and communication skills.

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