Enabling Effective Collaborative Learning in Networked Virtual Environments

This paper considers the issue of enabling effective collaborative learning in networked virtual environments. It is suggested that the increasing use of networked virtual environments for learning and teaching, plus the high level of use of group assessment practices requires us to enable effective learning and ensure that it does take place. The roles and interactions of the individual students combining to form the group can be crucial to the success of collaborative learning. Identifying the possible range and mix of learner attributes and teaching and learning strategies which can help enable effective group learning in networked virtual learning environments is a crucial part of transforming higher education for the knowledge society. Developing previous work, a strategy and methodology for helping enable collaborative learning in networked learning environments is proposed. Factors such as cognitive profiles, collective project visualization and group learning are discussed within the context of providing the research framework. The research methods to be used are presented, the potential outcomes are discussed and conclusions drawn