Designing an Instrument for Evaluation of a Collaborative Learning Environment

Abstract

This study proposes the design of a tool for the evaluation of a Collaborative Learning Environment. The need arises from direct observation of selected collaborative learning environments and the apparent inclusion of expert instructors in conceptual content and skills in the technological area but not in aspects of teaching and pedagogical discourse. The study is based on the conceptual approach of Collaborative Learning Environments in Content Analysis as an evaluation strategy for Collaborative Learning Environment and the theoretical visions from Educational Technology of Hassan and Martin, Pere Marques and the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Du to its design, it is consistent with Holistic Research in the type of Projective Research supported by the Special Project mode that was developed in four stages: Descriptive, Comparative-Analytical, Explanatory and Technical which covered from direct observation, passing through categorization, contrasting, to the design of the instrument under study. This designed instrument is based on a Checklist comprising 63 items which cover the categories that emerged from the comments, providing a content analysis from the construction of paragraphs from a list of verbatum predefined according to the choice made in the instrument of clear and concise sentences that emerged from specific theoretical contributions, grouped into three paragraphs, one for each aspect observed (technological, discursive and didactic).