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

Abstract

This case study describes the design and delivery of a collaborative asynchronous-synchronous, graduate-level, cross-university computer science course designedto create a highly interactive learning environment that resulted in the emergenceof multiple unique virtual learning communities. The pedagogical principles of sit-uated and problem-based learning were combined in a distributed collaborativelearning context where students’cognitive and metacognitive capabilities devel-oped through the facilitative guidance of the instructors and through discoursewith and observation of other students. The course was designed to motivate stu-dents to engage in interactive learning with others and to enhance transfer ofknowledge gained through this learning experience to real-life situations. Wedescribe the challenges inherent in creating and managing this type of learningcontext as well as how we deployed ongoing formative assessment to ensure theevolution of a dynamic learning environment. The result of our efforts was aunique learning experience for students and instructors.