DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF THE ‘FEEDBACK AND REFLECTION IN ONLINE COLLABORATIVE LEARNING’ (FROCOLE) APP

Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) in online distance education brings many advantages such as a decrease in feelings of loneliness and isolation and an increase of social interaction and peer support which is found to positively affect motivation and academic achievement. However, social interaction in CSCL settings cannot be taken for granted. Especially in the case of online CSCL settings where all communication and collaboration take place through mostly text-based electronic learning environments, often in an a-synchronous mode. The use of peer feedback and reflection would be a solution as it reinforces productive social interaction. To stimulate this, the Feedback and Reflection in Online Collaborative Learning (FROCOLE) app was developed. The design-aim was to develop an accessible, easy-to-use app, with minimal invasion of privacy and independent of any virtual learning environment. After an iterative development process, during which the app was presented to several educators as well as tested by a group of users to collect feedback for further improvement, the FROCOLE app version 1.0 was piloted in two higher education courses at two different higher education institutes and evaluated on its perceived usefulness and usability. Generally, the usability was considered good. The usefulness of the app however, was not clear to students of pilot 2. In addition, students experienced installation problems. Based on the pilots, features for further development are determined as well as possible solutions for solving experienced problems are suggested. Pilots of the FROCOLE app version 2.0 will, besides experienced usefulness and usability, specifically focus on the ability of the app to enhance and support interaction in groups, which is the main aim of the app.