Abstract:

Working in a group setting is a vital part of the learning experience and one has to understand the difference between group work and cooperative learning as this understanding essential in addressing issues that are present in these learning strategies. This paper sets out to understand the effects that technology such as the Blackboard Learning tool, has on group activity from the students’ perspective.

The researchers found that limited sources of literature are available that investigated the effects which technology has on group activity, especially from a cooperative learning point of view. The research results and data collection were collected from interviews with students who had participated in a Blackboard Learning tool focused assignment.

This paper found that students find the use of cooperative learning technologies valuable. Understanding the roles, the students and lecturers becomes easier when using such tools and thus it becomes easier to use these tools. The Blackboard Learning tool plays an enabling role in the learning environment but there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration prior applying such tools in a learning environment. Students are able to identify contributing factors which would be useful when they enter the working environment.

Keywords:

Cooperative learning, learning environment, group work, education, workplace, Blackboard.