Collaborative learning, which, in the online environment is typically referred to as online teams or online groups, refers to a broad spectrum of instructional activities for getting students to work together to achieve common educational goals. Collaborative learning environments can range from a one-minute writing exercise shared with a partner during a lecture to a semester-long group project culminating in a final team presentation to the entire class.
myCourses has tools for the creation of student teams/groups to share and discuss information inside online groups. These online tools facilitate both asynchronous and synchronous meetings between group members, and, if managed properly, help to eliminate the possibility of logistical problems when working within teams.
By assigning students to online groups, you can monitor their progress and intervene if the group or a particular member of a group needs attention. You won't be surprised at the end of the project when students suggest some members weren't cooperative, or some members did all the work, or the project went off on an unexpected tangent.
Collaborative learning activities give these students an opportunity to become more connected to the class, and to RIT, through the relationships they develop in small group activities.