Development of a collaborative learning-based virtual learning system for higher education in Thailand

Abstract

This research proposes a collaborative learning-based virtual learning system for higher education in Thailand that integrates pedagogical principles with adaptive digital and immersive technologies. The system was designed to embed five core elements of collaborative learning—mutual reliance, self/group responsibility, interaction, social skills, and group processing—in a unified virtual learning environment. Its architecture consists of six interconnected subsystems: user, course management, evaluation, communication and metaverse, report and activity, and learning community systems. To support diverse users, the system applies task decomposition algorithms, contribution weighting, user profiling, behavioral analytics, and metaverse-based interaction to accommodate differences in technological proficiency, pedagogical experience, and collaborative learning familiarity. The study employed a multiphase evaluation involving needs assessment, prototype testing, and expert review. The participants included 120 students, 16 educators, and nine domain experts from Thai higher education institutions. The results showed that cumulative system usage was strongly and positively correlated with learning progress scores (r = 0.82), indicating that greater engagement with the platform supported improved academic performance. Compared with traditional learning management platforms, the prototype also achieved a 78% group task completion rate, representing a 32% increase. Expert evaluation further confirmed the system’s quality, with information technology experts assigning an overall performance score of 4.89 out of 5.0, exceeding the readiness threshold for institutional deployment. These findings demonstrate that systematically integrating collaborative learning theory with modular system design, immersive communication, and data-driven evaluation can enhance engagement, accountability, and learning outcomes in Thai higher education. The proposed system offers a scalable model for institutions seeking to modernize virtual learning while addressing variations in digital literacy, instructional needs, and collaborative learning practices.