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Challenges and Benefits of Collaborative Work in Online Courses

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Title: Challenges and Benefits of Collaborative Work in Online Courses
Language: English
Authors: Sheri Conklin, Stella Kim, Beth Oyarzun, Daniel Maxwell
Source: Online Learning. 2026 30(1):48-77.
Availability: Online Learning Consortium, Inc. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. Tel: 888-898-6209; Fax: 888-898-6209; e-mail: olj@onlinelearning-c.org; Web site: https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 30
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Barriers, Cooperative Learning, Online Courses, Student Experience, Electronic Learning, Student Attitudes, Communities of Practice, Inquiry, College Students, Peer Relationship, Teacher Student Relationship
ISSN: 2472-5749
2472-5730
Abstract: This investigation examined student experiences with online collaborative learning, focusing on the types and frequency of support received and their relationship to the Community of Inquiry framework. An online survey of 110 students revealed that the majority received support from both instructors and peers, with informational support being predominant. Primary benefits included enhanced collaboration skills and increased awareness of others' perspectives, while challenges primarily involved workload management and scheduling. Higher frequency and clarity of support were correlated with greater teaching and social presence. The findings underscore the significance of balanced, frequent, and clear guidance in online collaborative work, as well as the necessity to address deficiencies in emotional support. Implications for instructional design and faculty development are discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1507895
Database: ERIC
FullText Links:
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  Data: Challenges and Benefits of Collaborative Work in Online Courses
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sheri+Conklin%22">Sheri Conklin</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Stella+Kim%22">Stella Kim</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Beth+Oyarzun%22">Beth Oyarzun</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Daniel+Maxwell%22">Daniel Maxwell</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Online+Learning%22"><i>Online Learning</i></searchLink>. 2026 30(1):48-77.
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  Data: Online Learning Consortium, Inc. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. Tel: 888-898-6209; Fax: 888-898-6209; e-mail: olj@onlinelearning-c.org; Web site: https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index
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  Data: This investigation examined student experiences with online collaborative learning, focusing on the types and frequency of support received and their relationship to the Community of Inquiry framework. An online survey of 110 students revealed that the majority received support from both instructors and peers, with informational support being predominant. Primary benefits included enhanced collaboration skills and increased awareness of others' perspectives, while challenges primarily involved workload management and scheduling. Higher frequency and clarity of support were correlated with greater teaching and social presence. The findings underscore the significance of balanced, frequent, and clear guidance in online collaborative work, as well as the necessity to address deficiencies in emotional support. Implications for instructional design and faculty development are discussed.
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      – Text: English
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        StartPage: 48
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      – SubjectFull: Cooperative Learning
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      – SubjectFull: Online Courses
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      – SubjectFull: Student Experience
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      – SubjectFull: Electronic Learning
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      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Communities of Practice
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      – SubjectFull: Inquiry
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      – SubjectFull: College Students
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      – SubjectFull: Peer Relationship
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Student Relationship
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      – TitleFull: Challenges and Benefits of Collaborative Work in Online Courses
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