Collaborative Learning Using Integrated Groupware: A Case Study in a Higher Education Setting

Abstract

Collaboration is considered to be a key learning skill essential for success in the new global economy. Collaboration is labeled as a 21st Century skill among Critical thinking, Creativity, and Information Literacy. Collaboration is also indicated as an important skill in Japanese Higher education. In this case study, an integrated groupware is applied to a higher education setting to a total of 480 students enrolled in a course entitled “Basic Seminar: Social Design”. In the study, students utilized the groupware for class interaction and group work. Questionnaire evaluated the usage of the groupware and the perception of the students on collaborative learning. The study suggest for a solution for scaffolding system to further collaborative learning.