Online learning

Online learning
Name
Institution
Despite the emphasis by the course designers to incorporate methods of collaborative learning in the online education, minimal considerations have been given to the concerns of the online. However, the classmate said that adding collaboration as a component in online courses is essential citing classroom feeling and alleviation of feeling of the isolation among learners. These reasons by the classmate raise fundamental questions based on online learners’ experience. First, is a classroom the only best place for learning? Second, do these reasons give a short or long term solution to the difficulties online learners go through? Finally, are the reasons strong enough to support collaborative learning over fundamental issues affecting learners in collaborative learning?
The classmate, however, presents an issue of equality of work as a critical problem undermining the online learners when subjected to collaborative learning. This issue comes out clear and is supported by the outcomes of the study by Capdeferro, & Romero, (2012). The researchers found out that the students engaged in collaborative learning often have an asymmetric perception which cites their frustration through the learning process. Capdeferro, & Romero, (2012) identified various underlying problems such as team members not sharing same goals, group organization difficulties, communication difficulties, differences in commitment and contribution by members among other issues.

The identified aspects support the theme of work- equality as classmate claims. Thus, course designers can help clear this mess by giving general information on the models of learning. However, the information on online collaborative learning needs to be specific to allow learners make their initial adjustments regarding expectations and preferences before enrolling. The learning environment needs to be improved such that students with technological difficulties receive adequate support.
Reference
Capdeferro, N., & Romero, M. (2012). Are online learners frustrated with collaborative learningexperiences? International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 13(2), 26–44.