Exploring different types of interaction on collaborative learning in online platforms

Abstract

We are immersed in the era of online and mobile networks. The development of collaborative studies in learning has led to a renewed interest in the field of online education. There is a need for collaborative learning that promotes student's diverse interactions in online platforms. This study investigates the two types of interaction (social, learning) and student's interaction knowledge building level in online and mobile collaborative learning environments in higher education. WeChat, which is a mobile synchronous communication tool, and modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment (Moodle), were used as mobile and online collaborative learning settings. Seventy-eight college students in China majoring in information engineering participated in the experiment. The following findings were determined by the method of content analysis: 1) the study showed that Moodle is more suitable for learning interaction, while the WeChat platform is more suitable for social interaction; 2) a shallow level of interaction knowledge building is present in Moodle and WeChat. The findings presented in this study could serve as the basis for future research in blended collaborative learning.