Fostering Inclusive Virtual Learning Communities in Developing European Countries

Authors

  • Klodiana Leka Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, "Aleksander Moisiu" University, Lagja Nr.1, Rr “Taulantia”, Durrës 2001, Albania
  • Anita Muho Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, "Aleksander Moisiu" University, Lagja Nr.1, Rr “Taulantia”, Durrës 2001, Albania
  • Ahmad Samed Al-Adwan Department of Business Technology, Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Business School, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
  • Yulia Nickolaeva Biryukova Russian Language Department, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya 6, 117198 Moskva, Russia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2024.2.549.562

Keywords:

Virtual Collaborative Learning, e-tutors, social interaction, online learning, students

Abstract

Aim. This article investigates how Virtual Collaborative Learning environments can be integrated into university courses and what their implications are so that they promote more meaningful learning. Two pilot courses, which were part of the Erasmus+ CBHE Valeu-X project, Business Communication and Image Processing offered by "Aleksander Moisiu", University Durres, were part of this research. This study focuses on how the designs of VCL can help students improve problem-solving skills, confidence, and communication skills, encourage engagement and social interaction, and inspire creativity.

            Methods. Qualitative research design was used in this study with data collected and analysed manually by the researcher. The participatory observation was used in the implementation of two pilot courses – Image Processing and Business Communication using Teams as their online learning platform. The data were gathered through the close observation of the dynamics in Virtual Collaborative Learning environments focusing on the roles and interactions between the participants.

            Results. This research proves that assigning roles to students during online learning group activity helps them collaborate effectively. At the same time, tutors were preferred as they are referred to as helpers among students. Teams were able to study together and socialize with one another by assigning specific tasks to the team members and by using the appropriate tools.

            Conclusion. Virtual collaborative learning ought to be taught in university courses, particularly in Europe's emerging nations. It involves assigning tasks to group members to foster productivity and cooperation. According to the study's participants, e-tutors play a critical role in the educational process.

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Author Biographies

  • Klodiana Leka, Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, "Aleksander Moisiu" University, Lagja Nr.1, Rr “Taulantia”, Durrës 2001, Albania

    Associate Professor at the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, Aleksandër Moisiu University, Durrës, Albania. She graduated in English language from the University of Gjirokastra, Albania. She completed her doctoral studies in the field of Pedagogy at the University of Tirana. Having previously served as the head of the Department of Foreign Languages and Vice Dean at the Faculty of Education, Dr. Leka currently holds the position of Dean at the Faculty of Education since 2022. Her research is devoted to education, online learning, teacher evaluation, and the role of school principals.

  • Anita Muho, Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, "Aleksander Moisiu" University, Lagja Nr.1, Rr “Taulantia”, Durrës 2001, Albania

    An esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages at the University "Aleksandër Moisiu" Durrës. She had her undergraduate degree from the University of Tirana, Faculty of Foreign Languages, specializing in "English Language and Teaching."

    Her academic journey reached its pinnacle with a doctorate from the University of Tirana in Pedagogy, focusing on the "Effects of different assessment methods on students' motivation in foreign language acquisition." Dr. Muho's commitment to advancing knowledge in her field is evident through her active participation in both national and international scientific conferences. She has contributed significantly to the academic community through the publication of numerous scientific articles in esteemed national and international journals.

    Dr. Muho holds a pivotal role as a member of the editorial board for the international scientific journal "Journal of Contemporary Educational Research and Innovations (JCERI) ISSN 2249–9636" and the "Journal of Leadership and Policy in Schools" by Routledge, USA, with ISSN: 1570-0763 and Online ISSN: 1744-5043.

    Her administrative leadership is noteworthy, having served as the Head of the Foreign Languages Department at the Faculty of Education, University "Aleksandr Moisiu" Durrës since July 19, 2018. Dr. Anita Muho's multifaceted contributions underscore her dedication to the advancement of education, language pedagogy, and scholarly research in her field.

  • Ahmad Samed Al-Adwan, Department of Business Technology, Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Business School, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan

    A distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Information Systems, currently serving as a Professor at the Department of Business Technology, Business School, Al-Ahliyya Amman University in Jordan. Prof. Al-Adwan holds a PhD in Management Information Systems Studies/E-business, and a Msc in Information Technology Management from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom. His educational background has equipped him with a strong foundation in both technical and business skills, enabling him to bridge the gap between the two disciplines and make significant contributions to the field of information systems.

  • Yulia Nickolaeva Biryukova, Russian Language Department, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya 6, 117198 Moskva, Russia

    Developed an integrative model for teaching students to read, which can be used in the professional activity of translators of professionally oriented texts. The results of this development were reflected in her Ph.D. thesis, which she defended in 2016. Subsequently, the scope of her research work was expanded. Today, Yulia Nikolaevna is actively involved in the problems of professional-communicative training of foreign medical specialists in the context of informatisation of higher education as well as the design, modeling and implementation of a linguo-methodological information environment for continuous professionally oriented teaching of the Russian language to foreign medical students. Yu.N. Biryukova is the author of a large number of articles (55 for the last 5 years), textbooks (5 for the last 5 years), monographs (4 for the last 5 years), which reflect the results of her research activities. The researcher actively participates in various international conferences in order to present the achieved results her research activities. She is the member of Association of Language testers in Europe, the member of Peter’s the Great Academy of Sciences and Arts, the member of Russian society of Russian language and literature teachers (ROPRYAL).

     

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Published

2024-09-25

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): Journal of Education Culture and Society

Section

DYNAMICS

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Copyright (c) 2024 Klodiana Leka, Anita Muho, Ahmad Samed Al-Adwan, Yulia Nickolaeva Biryukova

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How to Cite

Leka, K. ., Muho, A., Al-Adwan, A. S. ., & Biryukova, Y. N. (2024). Fostering Inclusive Virtual Learning Communities in Developing European Countries. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 15(2), 549-562. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2024.2.549.562