What are the Trends in Collaborative Learning Studies in 21st Century?

Abstract

Collaborative learning, assists individuals to work as a team for a common purpose or mission. Today, individuals are working for a mission by using computer, internet and such technologies. A lot of studies had been done with using collaborative learning. In order to learn the effectiveness of collaborative learning, a variety of studies and techniques should be prepared. Besides, there exist considerable numbers of studies that were done on the techniques of technology supported collaborative learning. In significant proportion of the presented studies, the online systems have been introduced that were developed for technology supported collaborative learning. In literature, meta-analysis studies were also found related to collaborative learning methods. There is not exist any recent made researches on the trends of this topic in literature. The aim of this study is to determine trends for those who aim to make research in Technology Supported Collaborative Learning (TSCL), published in popular magazines in the field of education technology between the years 2005 and 2010. 114 studies have been attained after the scan made on SSCI covered journals. The reporting of the study was grouped according to following criteria; publishing year of the finding, research field, method and study environment.