Online Collaborative Learning: Applicability in Comparison with Individual Learning and Face-to-Face Collaborative Learning

This classroom-based action research aimed to determine the applicability of implementing Collaborative Learning in online setting to help students develop their interaction with one another and improve their academic performance. Participants of the study consisted of Grade 8 intact pilot section of a public school in an urban community which yielded only 20 valid responses. Student participation during online collaborative learning made use of the first three stages of Siemen's Connectivism taxonomy. Quantitative data were taken from Student Attitude Survey, individual and group learning activity sheets, and achievement test, while qualitative data were taken from focus group discussions. Transcripts of the recorded online collaborative learning were analyzed using content analysis following Garrison's Practical Inquiry Model. Results showed that there is a significant increase in students' scores in the activities done collaboratively than those done individually. However, only 12 out of the 20 students successfully passed the achievement test. Additionally, results of the content analysis of the video recording transcripts show that among the four categories of Garrison's Practical Inquiry Model, students made more extensive use of integration and exploration during online collaborative learning. In terms of students' attitudes toward the intervention, the results indicated a positive response with regard to their experience with online collaborative learning. Analysis of the focus group discussions using interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed similarities and differences in collaborative learning between an online and face-to face learning.