Overcoming Barriers for Implementing International Online Collaborative Assignments in Chemistry

Organic chemistry students at two universities, one in Canada and the other in the United States, connected using video conferencing software as learning partners for six online collaborative assignments. Mixed-methods analysis of interviews, surveys, and student-written reflections was used to identify barriers that students encountered during the international online collaborative assignments. Students described the barriers of their experience with online collaborative assignments in terms of course pedagogy or chemistry concepts, social interactions, and technology. Results were compared and supported by additional data sources. Students were successful at overcoming most barriers, demonstrating real-world problem-solving and a high degree of resiliency. Persistent barriers were identified and resolved by faculty through revisions to design and implementation.