Collaboration in E-Learning: A Study Using the Flexible E-Learning Framework

Abstract

E-Learning remains a new frontier for many faculty. When compared to the traditional classroom, E-learning requires greater collaboration among team members and use of different teaching and learning strategies. Pedagogy as well as team configurations must change when moving to the online environment. Collaboration is a key component in creating quality E-learning. Effective collaboration requires faculty to understand various roles (e.g., instructional designers, multimedia specialists), and activities involved in e-learning as well as how professionals in different roles work together. This article discusses the use of an E-Learning framework and development of a survey based on the framework’s dimensions as two strategies to broaden faculty understanding of E-Learning collaboration. The survey was used to expose faculty across five Midwestern campuses to all dimensions of E-learning including areas such as management, ethics, and interface design.