Collaborative Learning in an Online Environment - Article Example

Online students should not be underprivileged in terms of social learning since they are not able to attend campus. Their access must not just be access to content; instead, it should imply access to a rich learning environment that offers a chance for connectedness and interaction (Daniel Palacios-Marqués, 2012).

Additionally, numerous office workers are more familiar with different virtual communication tools accessible from instant messaging to e-mail to social networks. However, as training courses also move online, they incline to the loose majority of the cooperative constituents that has resulted in these new technologies being operational in other fields. The biggest task as seen by the instructors is keeping members engaged. To make operational online participation, instructors should apply four approaches that address the proper use of technology to carry out online instructor-directed learning, participant engagement, enabling fruitful brainstorming gatherings and team collaboration, and session design so as to achieve good results (Young, 2009).

Furthermore, Asynchronous learning is a learner-centered teaching technique that applies online learning means to enable information distribution outside the constrictions of place and time amongst a network of individuals. It highlights the significance of peer-to-peer interactions. Resources of online learning that back up asynchronous learning comprise blogs, wikis, email, online discussion boards, among others. Additionally, course management systems have been formed to back up interaction online, allowing students to organize discussions, reply to and post messages, among others (Jane E.Brindley, 2009).