Title: Cooperative learning and electronic group portfolio: tutoring tools, development of competences and assessment

Authors: Consolacion Gil, Maria G. Montoya, Rosario I. Herrada, Raul Banos, Francisco G. Montoya, Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro

Addresses: Department of Computer Architecture and Electronics, University of Almeria, La Canada de San Urbano s/n, 04120 Almeria, Spain. ' Department of Computer Architecture and Electronics, University of Almeria, La Canada de San Urbano s/n, 04120 Almeria, Spain. ' Department of Didactics and Educational Organization, University of Murcia, Campus del Espinardo s/n, 37100 Murcia, Spain. ' Department of Computer Architecture and Electronics, University of Almeria, La Canada de San Urbano s/n, 04120 Almeria, Spain. ' Department of Rural Engineering, University of Almeria, La Canada de San Urbano s/n, 04120 Almeria, Spain. ' Department of Rural Engineering, University of Almeria, La Canada de San Urbano s/n, 04120 Almeria, Spain

Abstract: This work analyses the use of cooperative learning in conjunction with an electronic group portfolio in university education. When working in cooperative groups, students are required to be aware of the changes that take place throughout the learning process and to reflect on the benefits or drawbacks of different approaches to learning. The use of an electronic group portfolio could enhance the learning process as it enables the development of tutorial action, generic and specific competences and assessment. The effectiveness of this learning methodology has been evaluated by means of critical incident questionnaires, surveys and by analysing the final grades obtained by the students. The results obtained show that the use of the electronic group portfolio in a cooperative learning environment has allowed the development of competences which would have been difficult to achieve following the traditional lecture system and assessment in a final examination.

Keywords: active learning methods; competences; computer-mediated communication; cooperative learning; e-learning; e-portfolios; higher education; interactive learning environments; learning technologies; peer assessment; self-assessment; teamwork; tutoring strategies; electronic learning; online learning; cooperation; electronic group portfolios.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2011.040149

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2011 Vol.6 No.1, pp.46 - 61

Published online: 20 Oct 2014 *

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