Analysis of Cooperative Skills Development through Relational Coordination in a Gamified Online Learning Environment

Rosa Estriegana,Jose-Amelio Medina-Merodio,Roberto Barchino,Rafael Robina-Ramírez

doi:10.3390/electronics10162032

Rosa Estriegana, Jose-Amelio Medina-Merodio + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics10162032

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Journal: Electronics	Publication Date: Aug 22, 2021
Citations: 9	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Alcalá, University of Extremadura

Abstract

One of the main problems of the sudden digital transition to online education due to the COVID-19 pandemic is the increased isolation of students. On the other hand, one of the main goals of higher education is to develop students’ cooperative competence. This experimental study presents an online learning environment, consisting of a set of web-based resources such as virtual laboratories, interactive activities, educational videos and a game-based learning methodology. The study also examines the influence of the combination of such resources with active and collaborative learning on the improvement of students’ relationships and the development of cooperative competence. To this end, an analysis was conducted based on the data collected from a core subject of the Computer Engineering and Computer Science Engineering degree courses. The answers of an online survey (n = 289) were examined by using the structural equation modeling technique (SEM). The results suggest that the proposed learning environment has a significant and positive impact on the two dimensions of relational coordination; communication and relationships, and plays a key role in the acquisition and development of cooperative competence. Findings also indicate that effective, accurate, frequent and timely communication, positively influences on students’ relationships. Additionally, this study addresses other important issues with significant theoretical and practical implications for higher education.

Highlights

The integration of technology in educational systems has been a key driver to enhance teaching and learning for many years
That is why, based on the interactive and collaborative activities and learner involvement offered by the online learning environment and the relationships that are created in the active and collaborative learning approach, our study suggests that this learning scenario enhances cooperative competence
That is why, based on the interactive and collaborative activities and learner involvement offered by the online learning environment and the relationships that are created in the active and collaborative learning approach, our study suggests that this learning sce10 of 21 nario enhances cooperative competence

Summary

Introduction

The integration of technology in educational systems has been a key driver to enhance teaching and learning for many years. It has been in the COVID-19 situation that the use of technology and online learning has grown exponentially, highlighting the countless opportunities and advantages it can offer, and emphasizing some deficiencies and limitations. One of the main problems of online learning is the feeling of social isolation of the learner [1], which is the reason of many failures and dropouts. The feeling of connectedness and the perception of belonging to a community is crucial for learners. Aligned with that sense of inclusion, companies are increasingly proclaiming the importance of strong communication and cooperation skills among professionals. The computing professional no longer fits the old stereotype of an isolated computer programmer working alone; instead, most computer jobs require professionals to interact and cooperate with others

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