Virtual project-based learning: A case study of Hong Kong and Singapore students’ collaboration

Abstract

As we move into a global knowledge-based economy, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of information and telecommunication technologies in learning and instruction. With learning no longer limited to the classroom, students have the impetus enabled by such technologies to collaborate with students of other institutions both local and overseas. One approach that is relevant to virtual collaboration is project-based learning (PBL). The components of PBL are authentic task, collaborative learning strategies, project management, knowledge representation, reflection, and teacher as facilitator (Ang, 1999). In this paper we report on the findings of a collaboration project among students of three schools in Hong Kong and Singapore using a virtual collaborative learning environment. We discuss some key issues on virtual project-based collaboration based on information collected through observation, field visits, interviews, and online conversational logs. These issues are related to information technology development and infrastructure of the schools, coordination, collaboration, facilitation, and tool usage.