Analysis of the Effectiveness of Collaborative e-Learning (CeL) in Sri Lankan University Education

Abstract

All over the world, the shift in approaches to learning is towards collaborative learning methods by considering facts such as how students are learning and the best method for students to gain knowledge for their long-term existence. Currently Collaborative e-Learning (CeL) is widely practiced in developed Western countries and in Asian countries it has been considered to have high potential for effective learning. Further, CeL improves the processing skills, cognitive skills of the students and the interactions between the students. As the first phase of this study, a preliminary study was conducted with 30 students and 30 lecturers by interviews, phone calls and email. Interview results were analyzed to identify the awareness of the effectiveness of CeL instructional models used. Further, based on the literature review and the preliminary study analysis, a definition of CeL was arrived at and a framework was developed to analyze the effectiveness of CeL.