Abstract

We present an innovative way to manage online learning by administering experiential learning activities during a semester-long, web-based course that is designed with the Project Oriented Learning methodology. A consulting-style guiding thread for in-class and remote workshops is implemented using a professionally relevant project contract that describes teamwork actions. Specific project goals and deliverables are negotiated and a workplan is asserted in an XML database. Performance by a team is measured according to cumulative success or failure in one or more milestones that lead to such goals. We present an inference mechanism that reveals the behavior of a team, in terms of compromise, competition, precision, self-motivation, or individualism on every milestone session. Such behavior becomes evidence used by the instructor to scaffold students, both individually and as groups. This research embraces both content and activity management.

Citation

Espinosa, E.D., Noguez, J., Benes, B. & Bueno, A. (2005). POLizied e-Learning using contract management. Computers & Education, 45(1), 75-103. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved May 29, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/66399/.

Keywords

• behavior
• collaboration
• College Students
• Cooperative learning
• educational innovation
• Experiential learning
• Inferences
• online courses
• Portfolio
• Project oriented learning
• Scaffolding (Teaching Technique)
• Student Projects
• success
• teamwork
• Web Based Instruction
• Workshops
• XML