This document discusses challenges and solutions related to online collaboration. It identifies common problems like workload, motivation, and lack of collaboration among learners. Potential solutions include seeking thoughtful input, extending the learning process as an instructor, and encouraging collaboration. The document provides advice such as being a reflective instructor, focusing on engaging course objectives, active communication, and developing a sense of community.

1. Meeting the Challenges of Online CollaborationCollaboration Motivation

2. Collaboration MotivationWhat are the Issues?Facing Learners and FacultyCommon ProblemsAreas that hinder learningPotential SolutionsHow we can approach a solutionAdviceHow to be successful

3. What are the Issues?Identify the issues that are of concern.Target the issues that are of greatest importance.Is there a lack of motivation?Is the issue a matter of instinct, or a pattern of predetermined events (Borich, 2006).Lack of collaboration.Are there barriers to learners coming together.Online networks provide the context for virtual collaboration (Moss & Nyiri, 1999).

4. Common ProblemsCourse workloadA concern by both the learner and instructor.Is the load manageable?MotivationClosely related to workload.Level of experience.Insufficient collaboration among learners.Lack of experience.Unfamiliar learning style.

5. Potential SolutionsSeek and provide thoughtful input (Hu, Caron, Deters, Moret, & Swaggerty, 2011).Extend the learning process in the role of instructor.Provide the driving force for learner motivation and success (Borich, 2006).The success of learners is in part due to the facilitator of the course.Encourage collaboration between learners.Make the learning experience meaningful.Model learner expectations.

6. AdviceBe a more reflective instructor.Through the process of teaching, each instructor must still be a learner at heart.Focus on engaging ways to meet course objectives.The goal of every course should be to prepare learners within the context of the course.Become an active communicator.Communication is critical to success.Develop a sense of community (Hu et al, 2011).This is the vehicle in which learning occurs.