Virtual Collaboration

Abstract

A key construct in e-learning involves virtual collaborations through computer-mediated communications tools. These collaborations may be synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (non-real-time). Learners work together to learn; conceptualize ideas and designs; solve problems; co-create learning and presentations; develop plans, designs, and models; simulate role-plays in various contexts; develop and maintain professional relationships, and coordinate their actions in response to particular situations and contingencies. A range of technological tools are used to promote rich virtual collaborations: knowledge structures and digital repositories, learning / course management systems (L/CMSes), web logs, wikis, immersive synthetic worlds, web conferencing software, mobile devices, live video link-ups, collaboratories, web laboratories, mixed-reality collaborative spaces, physical-digital tabletops, and electronic mail and electronic mailing lists. This chapter highlights the various types of virtual collaborations used in e-learning in higher education.