Challenges to Collaborating On-line

One of the pitfalls of discussing the challenges of online learning is that we tend to focus on the challenges presented by the delivery method (online) and fail to examine the challenges of using a particular instructional method. In other words, not all challenges to online learning are technological. In the book Collaborating Online we see that creating a collaborative learning environment is full of challenges that go beyond mere use of computers and other technolgies. For example , a student's unwillingess to engage in group activities or the presence of dysfunctional group dynamics can also affect the development of a collaborative learning environment. Therefore , it is important for an online instructor to be able to manage both the technological and the human considerations that go into creating a collaborative environment.

The use of technolgy only adds to the challenge of creating a collaborative learning environment. As previously mentioned, human elements, such as group dynamics, are present in the collaborative learning environment despite the use of technology. However, because we are online we need to develop a new set of communitication skills. For instance, the way a messages is percieved in an online environment may differ from a face-to-face encounter.

Another significant challenge is the disparity of technological acces or skills among learners. As several people pointed out that the Harvard study indicated that learners prefered an classes tha provided a more balanced approach between online and face-to-face experiences. This may be largely due to the fact that most adult learners are used to face-to-face learning methods. Like John F. I think that that this opinion will shift as an increasing number of learners become comfortable with the use and aquisition of new technology (How many of us prefer calculators over using an abbacus?)