Collaborative Learning Technologies: Online Collaboration Platforms
Collaborative Learning Technologies: Online Collaboration Platforms
Overview of Collaborative Learning Technologies
This website presents an in-depth explanation of contemporary collaborative learning technologies, including virtual collaboration platforms such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Slack, which are intended for blended or online learning or teamwork environments.
Collaborative Learning Technology
Collaboration technology encompasses applications and software that improve virtual team collaboration, such as internal messaging systems, scheduling tools, and online meeting platforms. Thus, collaborative learning technologies are digital tools and platforms that enable users to communicate, exchange information, and co-create content from any place. Collaborative learning technologies include social Learning Platforms called Virtual Collaboration Platforms, which allow learners to collaborate in real-time, share resources, and participate in group discussions, and fostering peer-to-peer learning, the Co-Creation Tools are used to facilitate collaborative brainstorming, content creation, and project work, allowing learners to engage actively in the creation process.
For example, virtual collaboration platforms or online communication platforms include Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, and others. PadLet, Google Docs, and project management software (Asana, Trello) are examples of co-creation collaborative learning technologies. The virtual collaboration platforms are called synchronous communication tools, where most communication occurs simultaneously, while the co-creation tools are asynchronous communication platforms, where asynchronous communication occurs at any suitable time.
Reason for Selection of These Technologies and Advantages of These Technologies
Of the two collaborative learning technologies, we have selected the virtual collaboration platforms because these technologies provide several advantages for the learners and teachers, such as:
Cost-effective: the learners do not worry about the cost of accommodation and travel expenses where it is practiced in the face-to-face or traditional learning experiences. The learners and teachers are conducting the live learning where they live in different countries and places in the world.
Convenient for learning and teaching: The distance between the learners and the teacher does not affect learning. Moreover, these tools are helpful to have a live discussion and feedback on the spot, like a traditional or face-to-face learning experience.
Provides immediate feedback: these tools have features that help the learners raise questions for discussion in a live video and messaging collaboration manner. Moreover, the teacher can give feedback on the spot to the students, in a physical classroom manner.
Highly motivating the learners: A real-time interaction is much more engaging than the isolated environment of asynchronous learning. Therefore, these tools support the learners to do real-time activities and provide ongoing motivation, as they encourage participation from all learners, even the most reticent ones.
Fosters a sense of community: learners have the ability to communicate not only with their trainers and instructors but also with each other, no matter where they are located. The teachers organizing a series of online group activities encourages teamwork and cooperation, as online discussions allow the learners to develop their learning community in online forums.
Generally, the online learning collaboration platforms can enhance student engagement, motivation, and performance by providing opportunities for interaction, feedback, and peer learning. For instance, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Slack are collaboration platforms that improve efficiency and effectiveness in institutions by consolidating communication channels, project management, and file-sharing. These tools enable seamless communication, bridging communication gaps, streamlining workflows, and enhancing collaboration. They also enable adaptable, inclusive, and personalized learning based on user preferences, ensuring smooth and adaptable learning environments.
Use of these technologies for education
Educational digital technologies enhance professional duties and communication between students-teachers and students-students. Their impact on collaborative learning depends on their integration into classrooms, both online and in person. Grynyshyna et al. (2023) analyzed the integration of Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet in higher education. Grynyshyna et al. (2023) compared these online learning systems in terms of functionality, security, and ease of use, revealing Zoom popular but Microsoft Teams as the most promising option due to potential security issues. Khrisat and Fakhouri (2024) found that incorporating online collaborative learning technologies such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet in modern higher education improved student engagement and academic performance, communication, and adaptability, while also emphasizing the need for flexible learning strategies. Overall, utilizing online learning collaboration tools like Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack promotes interaction, efficiency, and innovation, reducing complexity and optimizing resource use in education.
References
Grynyshyna, M., Boiko, T., Boklan, M., Husakova, N., & Pozniak, A. (2023). Comparative Analysis of Ways to Integrate Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet into the Educational Process of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 23(2). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v23i2.5806
Khrisat, Z., Fakhouri, H.N. (2024). Impact of E-learning Tools (Moodle, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) on Student Engagement and Achievement at Jordan Universities. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 18(18), pp. 125–145. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v18i18.49895.
Martin, D. (24, May 21). How Can Integrating Microsoft Teams And Slack Transform Team Collaboration? Retrieved September 27, 2024, from https://homebusinessmag.com/home-office/office-technology/integrating-microsoft-teams-slack-transform-team-collaboration/
Microsoft (2024, September 28). Get ready for the future of work with Microsoft Teams. Retrieved September 28, 2024, from https://teams.microsoft.com/
Miroslovov, M. (2024, August 28). The Power of Collaboration Technologies in 2024[Full Guide]. Retrieved September 25, 2024 from https://www.officernd.com/blog/collaboration-technologies/.
Trinity Washington University (2024). Google Meet. Retrieved September 28, 2024, from https://discover.trinitydc.edu/it/google-meet/#top.
Vali, I. (2022). The impact of technology on collaborative learning. Edu World International Conference Education Facing Contemporary World Issues. European Proceedings of Educational Sciences.
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (2024). Unified communication and collaboration platform for schools and universities. Retrieved September 28, 2024 from https://www.zoom.com/en/products/collaboration-tools/solutions/education/
Examples of collaborative learning technologies