Virtual Collaboration and Groupwork in Online Learning and Assessment

Abstract

This white paper is a consideration of factors raised by universities prior to and during the ACODE 83 Workshop on Virtual Collaboration and Groupwork in Online Learning and Assessment, held online in April 2021. The workshop offered the opportunity for participants to share and discuss how things like collaboration and groupwork in learning and assessment may have changed due to the rapid shift online. It also considered the affordances of online and blended environment, and more specifically what equity/inclusion challenges have arisen from this, and how various universities have addressed these challenges.

Prior to the workshop, a 10 question survey was distributed to the ACODE Membership with a focus on gaining insights into the collaboration tools currently being used in the learning and teaching context. This information was drawn-on during the workshop and used as discussion starters. The survey was completed by 32 Australasian Universities. An extension activity was also conducted during the Workshop that sought to identify further issues organisations faced in the design and delivery of virtual collaborative learning.

This paper will first share insights from the initial survey, followed by further insights gained from the extension activity. It will conclude by drawing some high-level ideas drawn from both activities.