Diverse Learners in Online Collaboration

Authors

• Evelyne Downs IUT Roanne, Université Jean Monnet
• Kirsi-Marja Toivanen Karelia University of Applied Sciences

Keywords:

diverse learners, collaborative learning, intercultural communication, online projects, team working skills

Abstract

The current article reports collaborative online projects implemented between two European higher education institutions in the spring of 2015 and 2016. The data consist of teachers’ observations and students’ reports, feedback, and their self, peer and group evaluations. The article discusses how diverse learners coming from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds are able to collaborate in online learning projects and what skills this kind of learning requires and develops. Cultural diversity in the article refers not only to national or ethnic cultures, but also to institutional, learning, communication and work cultures that play an important role in international co-operation.