Collaborative Knowledge Building using Microsoft SharePoint

Abstract

An effective computer-based collaborative knowledge building platform must support collaborative activities such as articulating perspectives, debating alternative viewpoints, clarifying meanings, linking ideas, building consensus, and reflecting on learning. The current study reports findings of a qualitative study that was conducted to understand the effectiveness of Microsoft SharePoint as a collaboration platform for engineering students’ group projects. Students reported that SharePoint had most of the affordances they would desire in an ‘ideal’ collaborative learning platform. Students also perceived training and guidance in the use of SharePoint as important and integral to their success and overall experience of SharePoint. The study concludes with recommendations instructors who use group projects for assessments, including (1) the need to provide and encourage the use of well-integrated platforms, (2) the need to set explicit standards for providing peer feedback and (3) the need to provide guidance and support for students using collaborative learning platforms.