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Cited by 75Online and Blended LearningProblem and Project Based LearningInnovative Teaching and Learning Methods

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Online group projects in higher education: persistent challenges and implications for practice

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Donelan, Helen, Kear, Karen·2024·Journal of Computing in Higher Education
DOI 10.1007/s12528-023-09360-7PMC PMC10038701
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Abstract

With the rapid adoption of online learning across higher education, there is an urgent need to identify its challenges and ways of addressing them. Online group projects, in particular, present significant issues for educators. This paper presents the findings of a systematic literature review identifying the key challenges of online group projects, together with strategies to address them. From a corpus of 114 recent papers, the 57 most relevant were analysed, to identify themes related to challenges and strategies. Key challenges were: low and uneven participation by students; a lack of clarity and preparation for students; and poor relationships. Strategies for addressing challenges were: careful design of projects, particularly regarding fair assessment; clear guidance and preparation of students; and practical and emotional support throughout, to encourage confidence and engagement. The findings of this review will enable educators to design and facilitate online group projects which students find rewarding and valuable.

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Fig. 1 A summary of themes on challenges and the relationships between them
Fig. 1 A summary of themes on challenges and the relationships between themCC BY · PubMed Central
Fig. 2 Strategies related to practical choices and preparing students
Fig. 2 Strategies related to practical choices and preparing studentsCC BY · PubMed Central
Fig. 3 Strategies related to group relationships and support
Fig. 3 Strategies related to group relationships and supportCC BY · PubMed Central

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Metadata

Authors
Donelan, H., & Kear, K.
Affiliations
The Open University (GB)
Corresponding author
Kear, Karen
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Computing in Higher Education
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2023-03-24
Volume
36
Issue
2
Pages
435-468
ISSN
  • 1042-1726 (ISSN-L)
  • 1867-1233
DOI
10.1007/s12528-023-09360-7
PMC
PMC10038701
OpenAlex
W4360829889
Cited by
75
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 24 · 2025: 34 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 3
FWCI
55.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Computing in Higher Education (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Open Research Online (The Open University) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Online and Blended Learning
  • Social Sciences › Education › Problem and Project Based Learning
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
Keywords
online learning, higher education, student participation, project design, fair assessment, student guidance, student relationships, student engagement, online collaboration

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Donelan, H., & Kear, K. (2024). Online group projects in higher education: persistent challenges and implications for practice. Journal of Computing in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-023-09360-7