Methodologies to Improve Communication in Virtual Learning Environments

Abstract

The main advances in education and the current expansion of training models are due to the incorporation of information and communication technologies (ICTs), as well as pedagogical elements arising from the socio-cultural approach. Communication is an essential element in the processes of teaching and learning in this educational approach. Therefore, ICTs offer us an excellent innovative support, allowing use to make use of such virtual learning environments as Collaborative Computer-Assisted Learning (CSCL), which enables communication, mediation and knowledge construction. Virtual communication is one of the essential elements in blended learning, and it is even starting to play an important role in traditional teaching environments. In this regard, we consider that a contribution from different teaching and learning experiences in virtual scenarios (Synergeia; BSCW; Moodle...) is necessary. In this article, we describe several cooperative and collaborative computer-mediated learning experiences with students of different educational levels. The results and conclusions on Collaborative Computer-Assisted Learning experiences reveal an improvement in motivation, academic performance and the development of social and communication skills, regardless of the use of cooperative (cooperative learning techniques) or collaborative learning.