A Framework for Collaborative Networked Learning in Higher Education: Design & Analysis

Authors

  • Ghassan F. Issa University of Petra
  • Haya El Ghalayini University of Petra
  • Ahmad F. Shubita University of Petra
  • Mohammed H. Abu-Arqoub University of Petra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v9i8.3903

Keywords:

collaborative learning, networked learning, social network analysis, network design, learning community

Abstract


This paper presents a comprehensive framework for building collaborative learning networks within higher educational institutions. This framework focuses on systems design and implementation issues in addition to a complete set of evaluation, and analysis tools. The objective of this project is to improve the standards of higher education in Jordan through the implementation of transparent, collaborative, innovative, and modern quality educational programs. The framework highlights the major steps required to plan, design, and implement collaborative learning systems. Several issues are discussed such as unification of courses and program of studies, using appropriate learning management system, software design development using Agile methodology, infrastructure design, access issues, proprietary data storage, and social network analysis (SNA) techniques.

Author Biographies

Ghassan F. Issa, University of Petra

Ghassan Issa (gissa@uop.edu.jo) is a professor of Computer Science at the University of Petra in Amman – Jordan. He is the Dean of Information Technology, the director of the e-learning center, and the Director of the Technology Innovation Center. He also serves as an advisor for the university president on web development, social media, and web ranking. His research interests include areas such as mobile learning, networked learning, competition-based learning and project-based learning. He has worked on several projects based on open source LMS. He received his M.S and PhD. from Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA. He also served as a department head at Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn State).

Haya El Ghalayini, University of Petra

Haya El Ghalayini (hghalayini@uop.edu.jo) is an assistant professor in the department of computer science at University of Petra, Amman-Jordan. She received her PhD in computer science from University of the West of England, Bristol-United Kingdom. Her research interests are in the areas of conceptual modeling and ontologies, e-learning, and utilizing human computer interaction in the usability of the designed blended courses. Dr. El Ghalayini has taught both basic and advanced courses in computer science and software engineering. In addition to teaching, she has participated in different administrative work in the Faculty of Information Technology.

Ahmad F. Shubita, University of Petra

Ahmad F. Shubita (ashubita@uop.edu.jo) is an assistant professor at the University of Petra, Amman, Jordan. He is the head of Software Engineering Department at Petra University, Jordan. He received his Ph.D. degree in Software Engineering from University of Loughborough, UK in 2010 and M.Sc. degrees in Computer Science from New York Institute of Technology, USA, in 2005. He received his B.Sc degree in Computer Information Systems from University of Jordan, Jordan, in 2004. He had four years’ experience in the IT industry and five years in the education sector. His research interests are: software development methodologies, requirements engineering, software quality management, web engineering, artificial intelligence and virtual worlds. He is a member of the PMPâ„¢.

Mohammed H. Abu-Arqoub, University of Petra

Dr. Mohammed Abu-Arqoub (abu-arqoub@uop.edu.jo) is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Information Technology, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan, and he is acting as the Head of the Computer Science Department. He earned his M.Sc and PhD from the University of Saint-Petersburg Electro-Technical University (Russia) in 1990 and 1995, respectively. He has published many papers at world level scholarly conferences and international journals. His research interests include data structure, computer simulation, computer architecture, database optimization, e-commerce, e-learning, parallel and distributed computing, middleware systems, software and Web engineering.

Downloads

Published

2014-05-26

How to Cite

Issa, G. F., El Ghalayini, H., Shubita, A. F., & Abu-Arqoub, M. H. (2014). A Framework for Collaborative Networked Learning in Higher Education: Design & Analysis. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 9(8), pp. 32–37. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v9i8.3903

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 8 (2014): Special Issue "Learning in Networks"

Section

Papers