Using Etherpads as platforms for collaborative learning in a distance education LIS course

Pymm, Bob; Hay, Lyn

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/42090 Copy

Description

Title

Using Etherpads as platforms for collaborative learning in a distance education LIS course

Author(s)

• Pymm, Bob
• Hay, Lyn

Issue Date

2013-02

Keyword(s)

• distance education
• online collaboration
• group-based assessment
• etherpad
• collaborative document sharing
• education
• human-computer interaction

Abstract

This poster presents findings of a scholarship in teaching project which explored the online collaborative learning experiences of distance education (DE) students undertaking an undergraduate information studies program in an Australian university. The School of Information Studies (SIS) at Charles Sturt University is a leader in the provision of library and information studies education by distance. A recent curriculum review of undergraduate and postgraduate courses resulted in greater integration of Web 2.0 technologies to support DE teaching and learning. This included the redesign of the collection management course which serves approximately 100 undergraduate students per year. The aim of this project was to encourage greater communication and collaboration between students in this course to address challenges of isolation and lack of student community reported by previous cohorts. The researchers found the use of Etherpad as a collaborative document sharing platform successfully supported group-based assessment tasks and the development of students’ skills in critical thinking and collaborative practice, leading to an enhanced DE learning experience.

Publisher

iSchools

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/42090

DOI

https://doi.org/10.9776/13495

Copyright and License Information

Copyright © 2013 is held by the authors. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

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