Creating a Collaborative Community in Online Environments

Establishing Collaboration In The Learning Environment

Research indicates that online learning environments can result in effective student learning, maintenance of active student participation, and improved social relationships among participants (Jonassen & Kwon, 2001). In their research on how online learning environments facilitated collaborative learning, Han and Hill (2007) identified three categories with multiple themes as important for facilitating collaborative learning: context, community, and cognition. Context was identified by two themes: structural support and active participation. Using groups along with multiple types of communication were the indicators that identified context. Themes of membership and social dialogues identified community. Indicators that support this include group cohesiveness, member specific jargon, willingness to engage in discussion, and developing a social presence. Cognition was identified as the social process of learning and communal facilitation. Sharing perspectives, goal setting, reflection, and connection are indicators of these themes. Han and Hill’s (2007) research concluded that small discussion groups, multiple modes of communication, nurturing of the community, and encouraging meaningful discussion amongst participants were critical components in a collaborative environment.