Use of Collaborative Technologies in Engineering Education

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explain the collaborative problem-solving approach and collaborative technologies that help engineering students to establish and improve collaboration in their coursework. To this end, the theoretical background of collaboration in education and the importance of the learning environments are discussed. Possible effects of a constructivist learning environment on engineering students' educational output are explained. Following that, the collaborative problem-solving approach and collaborative technologies are presented. Then, the collaborative problem-solving method framework and how collaborative technologies can be used with this method in the learning environment of engineering education are explained in detail. Finally, recommendations about future work are presented.