Performance and Perceptions in an Online, Distributed Environment: Effects of Collaborative versus Individual Activities

This study compares participant perceptions of and performance in individual and collaborative activities using an emergent online learning tool with a variety of sophisticated features, including the ability to move dynamically between individual and collaborative participation. Study findings indicate that when engaging in online learning activities, participating in collaborative activities leads to more favorable attitudes toward the experience as well as higher levels of perceived learning than engaging in individual activities. Further, the average quality of responses on collaborative activities is higher than average responses on individual activities. Implications for future use of online, distributed learning tools are discussed along with implications for related future research.