Aprendizagem colaborativa on-line na vis o dos alunos / Online colaborative learning from the students’ perspective

This paper aims to investigate students’ views about the group activities in a post-graduation online course. The study is based on a theoretical foundation of collaborative learning (MYIAKE, 2007; PALLOFF & PRATT, 2004, 2005) and web 2.0 (O’REILLY, 2005). Regarding methodology, it is a qualitative research that adopts an ethnographic perspective and tools. Through online questionnaire and interviews conducted with students from the course, it was investigated what factors students point out as providers of collaborative learning and what factors inhibit it. The results indicate that some factors that promote collaborative learning are: clear instruction, negotiation, frequent interaction, commitment with the group. Some of the factors mentioned by the students that hinder collaborative learning are: short time to achieve the tasks, work overload, lack of commitment to the activity. Finally, there is a positive view of students in relation to collaborative activities.