Merits of Group Assignments in Online Education

In spite of the challenges of collaborating online in group activities, learning is a social event and should, as far as possible, be attained in conjunction with others. With new technologies being ubiquitously used in distance education, learners no longer have to bear the isolation that their peers experienced in the past.

When carefully managed, both academic and social needs of the learners can be met in virtual environments. Group activities increase time on task, opportunities for expression, and provide learners with a broader perspective on their learning.

For academic activities, learners probably benefit more when such activities are monitored by the instructor, and the expectations for performance are well defined. The instructor’s role is to be a "guide on the side" and steer learners in the right direction. As Vigotsky put it, a "More Knowledgeable Other" (MKO) may help a learner achieve tasks that may be in one's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).

Informal collaboration should be largely voluntary but encouraged for both academic and social exchanges. However, instructors should set the tone and protocols for communication because learners benefit most when the learning environment is cordial and respect for different voices/opinions is expected.