SQUADgroups - a novel tool for capturing students´ online learning levels of engagement with small groups

This paper reports on preliminary findings from the evaluation of the first in-house prototype of a tool designed to support a semi-structured approach to CMC (computer mediated communication) messaging. The SUQAUDgroups software tool is dedicated to supporting and enhancing students´ cognition, participation and interaction when working as part of a team collaboratively online in order to Aliver relevant artefacts for the team´s common goal. It is claimed in this paper that, the SQUADgroups software tool is useful for higher education institutions offering online education because of its ability to measure students´ online learning levels of engagement.