“Procrastination is truly a hindrance to our fullest potential, yet it is in our nature to prolong or wait until the
last minute.”
“I like to take my time and be thorough. This usually results in using all the time available since online
learning environments have strict (and sometimes aggressive) deadlines. ”
Some students stated the benefits of collaboration in learning:
“I like to see what others are finding then expand it by commenting to their post, or taking the research to
another level.”
“I like to work with others since I know I will learn from them. I like to share what I do know. ”
“When everyone is engaged it is easier to motivate each other to work faster.”
“Peer assignments are just as essential to learning as the individual ones. It does take someone stepping out
and taking the lead to keep everyone on track. Once this is done, early deadlines can be set to allow for the
straggler.”
Students’ concerns on collaboration can be summarized into one of the three themes: personal preference,
efficiency, and trust. Some students made comments on personal preference on collaboration:
“I have found that I am a more analytical learner than most and so in regard to this question, it would depend
on the assignment. I enjoy working with others and feel there is value in it, however sometimes it limits the
depth of your own learning. ”
“Collaboration is essential yet a sense of individuality is lost in the process, hence sometimes a bit difficult.”
The majority of the student concerns are related to efficiency of the group project:
“Sometimes it's easier and quicker to do it yourself.”
“Online learning enables students from anywhere in the world to take the same course. I am 7 hours off of
the time zone where most of my classmates reside, and this makes collaboration very difficult! We can
exchange messages but actually talking to one another is sometimes difficult. Thus, if given a choice, I like
to discuss work but prefer submitting individual assignments.”
“I have found that the times when I work in a group I end up doing most of the work and no one actually
collaborates. Therefore I prefer to work alone.”
Some students emphasized the importance of trusting each other when collaborating online:
“It would depend on the nature of the assignment and if I had any peers in the class that I knew.”
“It depends. I almost always prefer to work independently unless I know the others in the group and know
that they are serious about the assignment. ”
The qualitative feedback above provided tentative explanations as to why students prefer to be monitors
during the process of collaborative class projects. It is evident they are concerned that some group members
will avoid the responsibilities of contributing to the group.