Affiliation:
1. Department of Dental Clinical Specialties, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
2. Faculty of Dentistry, Alfonso X El Sabio University, 28691 Villanueva de la Canada, Spain
Abstract
Collaborative learning (CL) is the instructional use of small groups in such a way that students work together to maximize their own and others’ learning. In this study, the aim was to implement online collaborative learning (OCL) using the Microsoft Teams (MT) platform and to analyze the students’ preferences regarding presential or online learning. Material and Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 students from the Degree in Dentistry. Four groups were created with MT and clinical cases or problems were uploaded for online discussion with each group. Additionally, as part of the course program, the students were divided into the same groups for to carry out Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in person. Afterwards, students completed a project assessment and satisfaction survey. Results: The survey revealed that the students found participation in this project to be useful or very useful. Their experiences with MT were rated as positive or very positive. However, a significant portion of the students (42.6%) preferred conventional face-to-face (FF) problem-solving, while 27.9% preferred using online tools. Based on the execution of this project and the open feedback on the use of MT, we have outlined a series of recommendations to enhance the use of this platform. Conclusions: MT is a highly useful platform for online teaching, offering multiple tools to promote learning in a virtual and asynchronous manner. However, when comparing CL through PBL conducted FF versus online, students still prefer in-person teaching to virtual methods.
Reference25 articles.
1. Johnson, D.W., Johnson, R., Holubec, E.J., and Roy, P. (1993). Circles of Learning, Interaction Book Company. [4th ed.].
2. Ventajas del uso de la tecnología en el aprendizaje colaborativo;Rev. Iberoam. Educ.,2007
3. Aprendizaje colaborativo en odontología conservadora mediante el uso de la lluvia de ideas como recurso educativo;Alonso;Rev. Esp. Edu. Med.,2020
4. The benefits and challenges of collaborative learning: Educating dental and dental hygiene students together;Jackson;J. Dent. Educ.,2018
5. Barrows, H.S., and Tamblyn, R.M. (1980). Problem-Based Learning: An Approach to Medical Education, Springer Publishing Company. [1st ed.].