Building a Web-based collaborative learning environment

Web-based learning (WBL) methodologies are becoming increasingly popular in higher education. Both students and instructors gain significant benefits from Web-based learning environment. However, an appropriate learning objectives and pedagogical strategies are key attributes to stimulate the creation of effective e-learning environments. This paper presents the experiences from our first Web-based course, Introduction to MEMS, in the fall of 2004. The experience is evaluated from both the instructors´ and the students´ points of view, and the key elements for building a Web-based collaborative operative learning environment, such as effective team work, positive interdependence, leadership, and individual accountability, communication and leadership are discussed in order to promote student learning experiences. Our experiences indicate that collaborative learning at Web-based environment may give as good results as classroom learning or even better.