Collaborative Learning Using Technological Tools - A Framework for the Future.

Abstract

This paper focuses on educational technology designed for collaborative learning, or more correct these tools’ abilities for enhancing collaboration in the learning environment. The paper reports on findings from the Erasmus+ -project Learning Through Innovative Collaboration Enhanced by Educational Technology (iLikeIT2). The main aim of the project is to develop a new response technology directed towards collaboration in the learning environment, but in order to do so it is necessary to investigate previous development within the area. The paper presents data from analysis of 48 different tools, and their abilities to be applied in collaborative environments. Secondly the paper reports on 7 different pilots done with different tools, and the qualitative data collected from questionnaires and reflectional conversations with 31 students and instructors after the pilots. The paper thus investigates a wide range of different functionalities that are useful for collaboration, coordination and communication when doing case work in a learning environment. The paper presents pros and cons with different tools, trying to answer the research question: “How can educational technology best enhance collaborative work, and which functionalities need to be present in order to make the tool work positively for the collaborative work?”. Even if the paper is not able to conclude in a significant direction, 28 areas of interest for collaborative work with Educational Technology are identified. The paper points at possible improvements for both the tools themselves, but also for the methodology being applied when using the tools.