Quality Assurance During Distributed Collaboration: A Case Study in Creating a Cross-Institutional Learning Community

This case study describes the design and delivery of a collaborative asynchronoussynchronous, graduate-level, cross-university computer science course designed to create a highly interactive learning environment that resulted in the emergence of multiple unique virtual learning communities. The pedagogical principles of situated and problem-based learning were combined in a distributed collaborative learning context where students’ cognitive and metacognitive capabilities developed through the facilitative guidance of the instructors and through discourse with and observation of other students. The course was designed to motivate students to engage in interactive learning with others and to enhance transfer of Chapter XV