A Framework to analyze the effectiveness of collaborative e-Learning (CeL) in Sri Lankan University Education

Abstract

E-learning introduced new ways of learning using computers and the Internet, and is rapidly evolving with the development of technology. Learners can actively participate and collaborate in a learning process using either synchronous or asynchronous e-learning. Collaborative e-Learning (CeL) is an effective pedagogy approach, which also improves the processing skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills of the students. In this research study, a framework was developed to analyze the effectiveness of CeL in Sri Lankan university education. The study was conducted among lecturers, assistant lecturers, undergraduate students and post-graduate students of 15 Sri Lankan National universities. Interviews were used as the research instrument through different media such as direct interview, telephone interview and Skype interview. Our research findings helped to identify the most effective tools to use in CeL, which improve lecturer-student and student-student interaction. Further, awareness about CeL, perception of the requirement of CeL, and the assessment criteria of the effectiveness of CeL were identified in the context of Sri Lankan university education. In addition, a framework was developed to analyze the effectiveness of CeL in a quantitative manner. Finally, this paper presents recommendations to improve the effectiveness of CeL in Sri Lankan universities and discusses possible areas for future research in this arena.