Online Collaborative Learning: The Good, the Bad, and the Purported in Thesis Writing

The discourse on online collaborative learning in thesis writing has received less attention despite numerous studies which explored the milieu. Hence, this study aimed to fathom Online Collaborative Learning (OCL) experiences undergraduate of Bachelor Arts Communication and English Language students a prime state university Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines. Notably, focused students’ benefits, challenges, suggestions. Employing qualitative phenomenological research, data were gathered through semi-structured one-on-one in-depth interviews. They analyzed following phases thematic analysis by Braun Clarke (2006). Ergo, themes generated. First, benefits included joint responsibility, envelopes (a) divided workload (b) shared ideas flexible communication. Second, challenges composed external problems that bracket work school demands, vague instructions, (c) limited access member performance issues involve background knowledge, low quality outputs, lack participation. Finally, suggestions engagement particularly recognizing group dynamics, guidance. Based findings, recommendations are suggested for future research directions.