Online Collaborative Learning in Tertiary ICT Education: Constraints and Suggestions for Improvement

The study aimed to investigate the constraints of incorporating online collaborative learning in tertiary ICT education in a Malaysian classroom and students´ suggestions for improvement that may help in enhancing learning in ICT education. Data collected from interviews with students are analyzed using constant comparative method at two levels: within-case analysis and cross-case analysis, in order to generate meaningful qualitative themes. The findings indicated two keys constraints: technology-related contradictions, which are related to desire for synchronous feedback in forum discussions, cut and paste and plagiarism of ideas, and other technological distractions, and group discussion contradictions. These refer to repetitive and mixed-up postings, clashes on topics of discussion, and discussions being too formal. Suggestions for improvement are reported by students regarding aspects of personalizing an online collaborative learning template, and providing additional support for collaborating online.