Synchronous virtual tools to develop and evaluate cooperative learning in an online learning community

The study presented in this paper is part of a broader research aimed to analyse possibilities of synchronous tools, such as synchronous virtual classroom, which promote strategic cooperative among students in higher education. Therefore, the study searches the utility of this tool, used in e-learning methodology, within a blended learning context. The main objective then is to present a cooperative learning proposal useful to enhance the teaching/learning process, assessment included. Virtual synchronous classrooms are new resources that promote a collaborative learning through videoconference, shared desktop and files, synchronous white board, presentations, etc. which allow a cooperative learning context.