Collaborative Learning in Geographically Distributed and In-person Groups

Open online courses attract a diverse global audience of learners, many of whom might not be self-directed autodidacts with the necessary web competencies to reap the full benefits of such courses. Most of these learners would benefit from increased guidance on how to use MOOCs to enhance their learning. One potential area for guidance is in group collaboration where learners form teams to collaboratively work on assignments. Despite the global scope of these courses, a large proportion of learners live within relatively close proximity of each other, such that in-person collaboration is a feasible option. However, geographically distributed groups of learners are more likely to bring diverse viewpoints to the discussion than learners who live close to each other. Research suggests that the diversity of viewpoints in a group positively affects the quality of collaboration and outcomes. This paper presents evidence based on data from 21 MOOCs that assigning in-person groups is a feasible option, reviews the relevant literature on group collaboration, and proposes concrete research directions.