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DIFFICULTIES TO COLLABORATION IN AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

Kurt M. Sussman

INTRODUCTION

Dissatisfaction: Precursor to Failure Corporate training drop out E-Learning drop out

DIFFICULTIES

Gender issues Learning styles Gender related time constraints

DIFFICULTIES

Decision Making process: small group communication

DIFFICULTIES

Communication Student inclusion Communication delays Impact on group work

DIFFICULTIES

Technical difficulties

DIFFICULTIES

Course design issues Designing for collaboration Aim for social interaction

DIFFICULTIES

Cultural issues The relevance and impact of cultural

identity

SOLUTIONS AND PEDAGOGICAL STRATEGIES

Design for diversity Strive to become the facilitator Promote effective small group

communication Design with sensitivity to potential time

constraints Familiarize yourself with the technology Design to maintain motivation Promote social interaction

REFERENCES

Bender, T.   (2003).   Discussion-based online teaching to enhance student learning: Theory, practice and assessment.  (p.84). Sterling, Virginia: Stylus.

Kelland, J. H. (2011). Mixing personal and learning lives: How women mediate tensions when learning online. University of Alberta (Canada)). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, (pp. 339-340). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/857080263?accountid=28180

Kim, K. (2005). Adult learners' motivation in self-directed e-learning. Indiana University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, (pp. 129-133). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/304986682?accountid=28180

Koh, M. H., & Hill, J. R. (2009). Student perceptions of group work in an online course: Benefits and challenges. Journal of Distance Education (Online), 23(2), 69-69-91. (pp. 72-88). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/867412655?accountid=28180

Palloff, R., & Pratt, K.   (2004).   Collaborating online: Learning together in community.  (pp. 34-38). San Francisco, CA:   Jossey-Bass, Inc.

Wang, G. G. (2010). Theorizing e-learning participation: A study of the HRD online communities in the USA. Journal of European Industrial Training, 34(4), 344-344-364. (p.345). doi:10.1108/03090591011039081