Implementing Collaborative Project and E-Portfolio in an Online Graduate Course: A Case Study

Abstract

The ability to work in teams is an imperative competency in today’s complex healthcare delivery system. Collaborative learning allows students to cultivate teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Collaborative learning activity is an essential pedagogical approach to prepare students to meet the need of the healthcare workforce. This paper presents a research study in which a collaborative project was implemented in a redesigned healthcare administration course in an online graduate program. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of this revised course and uncover solutions to improve the implementation of the collaborative project and the usefulness of this course. Students’ perceptions of completing a collaborative project and other learning activities such as ePortfolio were explored. Even though some students enjoyed collaborating with their teammates, other students did not like the collaborative project. The barriers to a successful collaborative project discovered in this study were also revealed in prior empirical studies. Limitations of this research were also presented. The recommendation was proposed for better integration of collaborative projects into the curricula of a program.