SIDE‐VIEW: Evaluation of a system to develop team players and improve productivity in Internet collaborative learning groups

Abstract

This paper briefly summarizes the initial development of a computer‐supported collaborative learning environment and evaluates its effects in relation to the productivity of CSCL groups. The design of the SIDE‐VIEW system is driven by the social identity approach to understanding group behaviour and is premised upon the need to establish congruity between the self‐definition of group members and their collaborative learning tasks. We begin by outlining the rationale for the system in relation to productivity and the emergence of team players within collaborative learning groups. We then describe aspects of the design that are intended to enhance both, and report on a field trial of the initial prototype on international groups of higher education students. The preliminary results of the field study indicate that aspects of the design encourage the emergence and influence of team players within groups, with consequential improvements to the quality of the group output. The role of team players in CSCL groups is contrasted with that of group leaders.