Strong evidence exists for the power of collaborative work among students. There are, however, serious limitations to using this approach within the context of traditional classes. When students attempt to work on a common document, they have difficulty integrating the ideas of various group members. Students working on group projects outside of class often experience difficulty finding common meeting times. Serious obstacles make collaboration between students in more than one class formidable.
Technology offers ways to ease collaboration both inside and out of class.
Students discuss topics specified by the instructors, such as advertising and the environment. They also complete a team project such as finding a solution to a real-world environmental problem, with each team including students from each country. Often students who are shy or particularly reflective decline to take part in class discussion. They usual make fine contributions to electronic discussions. Also, students begin responding to one another's ideas rather than only to the teacher's ideas.