Online collaborative learning in a tertiary environment

Collaborative learning may be seen as an emerging paradigm within the tertiary level of education, as institutions struggle to adapt to the new environment forced on them by factors such as the increasingly widespread use of the Internet for course delivery. While collaborative learning has been widely discussed in the K-12 (Kindergarten to Year 12) context, comparatively little research has been conducted into the use of collaborative learning techniques at tertiary level. This paper looks at some actual case studies of courses involving online collaborative learning as an integral component of the learning process, notes some common weaknesses and strengths, and draws some conclusions regarding successful implementation