Can Online Collaborative Works Offer a Solution to the Over Crowded Classes in Egyptian Universities?

Ismail, Nashwa and Kinchin, Gary (2019). Can Online Collaborative Works Offer a Solution to the Over Crowded Classes in Egyptian Universities? International Journal of Management and Applied Research, 6(2) pp. 48–67.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18646/2056.62.19-004

Abstract

This study investigates tutors’ perception towards students’ group work when they learn online as a proposed solution for overcrowded classes. The study context is the Egyptian Higher Education (HE) system and the research participants were 20 HE tutors who either teach in a blended learning environment or virtual classroom. This research adopted a phenomenological qualitative approach and data were collected through focus groups and one-to-one interviews. The study concluded that online collaborative learning offers opportunities for studying outside the standard brick-and-mortar classroom and potentially overcoming the problem of overcrowded classes. Although such option has certain advantages, it also presents its own challenges. Tutors acknowledged the benefits of online collaborative learning; however, the tutors also raised some cultural and pedagogical concerns they deemed as hindrances to the learning effectiveness as a whole. Recommendations concerning the effective implementation of online collaborative learning are given.

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