2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Implementing a Tool for Structured Roles in Hybrid Collaborative Learning Environments

Presented at Workforce Development, Undergraduate Education

Collaboration in group-based learning often suffers from inequitable effort distribution and role stereotyping. To address these challenges, we developed a structured role enforcement tool within PrairieLearn, an open-source learning platform. This tool allows instructors to assign roles with specific permissions, facilitating the equitable distribution and management of tasks. In its initial deployment, the tool was implemented in a computer science course with both in-person and online sections. Analysis of collaboration metrics -- such as role adherence, role rotation, and team consistency -- revealed positive outcomes across both formats. These findings demonstrate the tool’s potential to foster effective and equitable collaboration in diverse learning environments. Future work will examine its impact on students’ sense of belonging and collaborative learning outcomes.

Authors

Mr. Chenyan Zhao http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9520-2438 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [biography]

Master of Science student in Computer Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Research interest in Automatic Short Answer Grading using AI
Mr. Yuxuan Chen http://orcid.org/0009-0009-2159-8746 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [biography]

Yuxuan Chen is a Master of Science student in Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His primary research interests focus on computer science education and artificial intelligence. He is dedicated to enhancing student learning experiences and accessibility in computing education through both innovative technology and research-driven teaching practices.
Kangyu Feng University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [biography]

Kangyu Feng is a student in the Master of Computer Science program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His primary interests include artificial intelligence, machine learning, game development, and computer science education. He is passionate about enhancing the structure and content of foundational math and computer science courses.
Dr. Geoffrey L Herman http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9501-2295 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [biography]

Dr. Geoffrey L. Herman is the Severns Teaching Professor with the School of Computing and Data Scientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Prof. Matthew West http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7605-0050 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [biography]

Matthew West is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining Illinois he was on the faculties of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanfo
Prof. Mariana Silva University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [biography]

Mariana Silva is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and co-founder and CEO of PrairieLearn Inc., a company dedicated to empowering instructors with tools to enhance teaching workflows without compromising educational quality. Before joining CS@Illinois in 2017, she was a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the same university for five years. Silva has extensive experience in course development across engineering, computer science, and mathematics and is passionate about advancing teaching innovations that benefit students and instructors alike. She is an expert in the development and application of computer-based tools for teaching and learning in large STEM university courses. Her current research investigates the use of educational technologies to enhance computer-based assessments and centralized computer-based testing centers. This includes leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) for automated short-answer grading and the creation of robust, randomized question generators to improve equity, accessibility, and scalability in teaching, learning and testing practices.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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