Web-based teaching and learning: A short empirical study with a focus on group work

Abstract

Web based teaching and learning is becoming of increasing importance in higher education. The advantage of teaching a large number of students at the same time, independent of their individual location is counteracted by challenges which arise from the caveats of non-personal and often asynchronous communication  In this study we review available literature on web based teaching and learning methods with a focus on the implications for group work activities. We support these findings with a short survey among PhD students and teachers from the course “Introduction to teaching and learning in higher education” at LTH Lund and an interview with a graduate from the Open University, United Kingdom. We find that an appropriate design of the teaching material is crucial for promoting deep learning in web based group work - this is not only limited to a good design of the tasks themselves, but also includes instructions of how to communicate in the web. Since the committed participation of students in online discussions is a cornerstone in the success of web-based group learning, the instructor hasto monitor forum communication, etc., and possibly include individual contributions in the final assessment. If successful, web based group work may allow for a more democratic learning process that is less dominated by single student and/or he teacher, as well as being more accessible to a wider group, independent of location or mobility, provided the availability of the prerequisite technological facilities.