Computer-supported Collaborative Learning Research Articles

Multiplayer Serious Games Supporting Programming Learning

Computational thinking (CT) is crucial in education for providing a multifaceted approach to problem-solving. However, challenges exist such as supporting teachers' knowledge of CT and students' desire to learn it, particularly for non-technical students. To combat these challenges, Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) has been introduced in classrooms and implemented using a variety of technologies, including serious games, which have been adopted across several domains aiming to appeal to various demographics and skill levels. This research focuses on a Collaborative Multiplayer Serious Game (MSG) for CT skill training. The architecture is aimed at young students and is designed to aid in the learning of programming and the development of CT skills. The purpose of this research is to conduct an empirical study to assess the multiplayer game gameplay mechanics for collaborative CT learning. The proposed game leverages a card game structure and contains complex multi-team multi-player processes, allowing students to communicate and absorb sequential and conditional logics as well as graph routing in a 2D environment. A preliminary experiment was conducted with four fourth-graders and eight sixth-graders from a French school in Morocco who have varying levels of understanding of CT. Participants were split into three groups each with two teams and were required to complete a 16-question multiple-choice quiz before and after playing the same game to assess their initial structural programming logics and the effectiveness of the MSG. Questionnaires were collected along with an interview to gather feedback on their gaming experiences and the game’s role in teaching and learning. The results demonstrate that the proposed MSG had a favourable effect on the participants’ test scores as the scores of 4 of the teams increased and 1 remained the same. All students performed well on the sequential and conditional logics, which was significantly better than the achievement of the Bebras test of the graph routing. Furthermore, according to the participants, the game provides an appealing environment that allows players to immerse themselves in the game and the competitive aspect of the game adds to its appeal and helps develop teamwork, coordination, and communication skills.

Collaborative generative learning activities in immersive virtual reality increase learning

Learning in immersive virtual reality (VR) can be highly motivating, but the perceptual richness and activity can distract students from the core instructional message. Generative learning activities may mitigate some of the limitations of immersive learning by helping learners focus on making sense of the key material. The main aim of this study was to examine whether learners benefit from being prompted to engage in individual or collaborative generative learning activities while immersed in a VR lesson compared to viewing the same lesson with no breaks. High school students (N = 164) viewed a biology lesson adapted for immersive VR about how our cells are structured and function. For the experimental conditions, the lesson was split up into four parts, with a pause after each part where learners summarized the main points and created a virtual representation of a cell; this was performed individually or collaboratively within the VR environment. Based on generative learning theory, we predicted that students engaging in individual and collaborative generative learning activities would display significantly higher posttest scores than the control group. Based on theories of computer-supported collaborative learning, we examined whether the collaborative generative activity group would achieve higher posttest scores than the individual generative activity group. The results showed that adding collaborative generative activities to a VR lesson was more effective at improving learning than adding individual generative activities. These results are consistent with collaborative cognitive load theory and demonstrate the value of adding collaborative generative learning activities to immersive VR lessons.

Investigating the Knowledge Co-Construction Process in Homogeneous Ability Groups during Computational Lab Activities in Financial Mathematics

Inclusive computational practices are increasingly being employed to enrich knowledge and facilitate sensemaking in STEM education. Embedding computational activities in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning environments can enhance students’ experiences. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge co-construction process within tailored student-led computational lab activities designed for a Computational Finance module. In particular, this study focused on the analysis of the effects of different lab practices and of group composition on knowledge co-construction. The groups designed for the lab activities were internally homogenous in terms of student ability. The sample consisted of 396 answers to a weekly survey filled out by all 50 of the undergraduate students who attended the module during the AY 2020/2021. The qualitative analysis relied on an adapted version of the Interaction Analysis Model designed by Gunawardena and colleagues for collaborative knowledge construction. Quantitative analyses were then conducted to study how the different lab practices and the composition of the groups affected the interaction. The findings revealed that, although the lower phases were the most prevalent, significant negotiations of meaning and discussions were activated, especially in tasks guiding towards sensemaking. Furthermore, the groups composed of lower-achieving students were the most engaged in negotiating and improving understanding as a result of the group interaction.

Impacts of online-community-based collaborative learning on project scope appropriateness and stakeholder management

ABSTRACT Most corporate projects suffer from the problem of scope creep, despite of the methodologies available to cope with this issue. Organisations have utilised computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) approaches to enhance employees’ project management (PM) training. Most prior studies on CSCL and PM focus on the application of CSCL for PM training in the contexts of educational institutions. It is thus uncertain that their findings are applicable to the real-world PM situations. Additionally, those studies did not specifically investigate the effects of key PM-related CSCL features on PM learning. Therefore, this study identifies and empirically investigate the effects of the key CSCL features, namely goal orientation, individual accountability, and structured interaction, on the level of scope completeness and the effectiveness of stakeholder management (SHM) in a context in which an online case-based collaborative learning system was implemented for PM learning purposes. Data collected from 264 PM professionals were analyzed using the method of partial least squares to examine the proposed research model. The results show that all the three key CSCL features have a significant direct/indirect influence on the level of scope completeness and the SHM effectiveness. Implications for theory and practice, research limitations, and future research directions are discussed correspondingly.

Supporting first-year students in learning molecular orbital theory through a digital learning unit

Abstract A large number of chemistry students drop out of their studies, often because of high requirements for content knowledge. Quantum chemical models of atomic bonding such as molecular orbital (MO) theory are particularly challenging. We aimed to develop an intervention on MO theory based on the Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning framework. First, students work independently with interactive learning videos. Then, they create concept maps about core concepts of MO theory. In this paper, we present the evaluation of this intervention in terms of content knowledge, considering person-specific characteristics. Additionally, we compare three different treatment groups with varying materials and group arrangements, and prospective chemistry teachers with other first-year students. Our results show that students can answer single-choice questions well with the prior knowledge from their first-year chemistry course. Answering open-ended questions is more difficult. Nevertheless, they can improve significantly in both categories by working with the learning videos; creating concept maps does not lead to significant content knowledge changes. There are also no significant differences between the three treatment groups, or between teacher students and other chemistry freshmen. Regarding prior knowledge, differences depending on gender and school-leaving grades can be measured, whereas the choice of courses in school has no effect.

Using zoom as a computer-supported collaborative learning tool: modeling of relations between technology acceptance, knowledge-sharing behaviours, community of inquiry, and social interaction space

ABSTRACT This research, students’ technology acceptance, KSB, community of inquiry (CoI), and social interaction space situations were examined in collaborative learning where Zoom was used as a CSCL tool in computer programming courses, and the structural relationships between these variables were revealed. The research was carried out on 162 university students studying in the field of computer science education and taking computer programming courses through flipped learning. Within the scope of the research, the students were divided into CSCL groups of three and carried out collaborative learning. The study was carried out according to the correlational research method, and path analysis was performed. Research findings for the CSCL activities carried out in the Zoom environment has been determined that technology acceptance, KSB, CoI, and social interaction space are at a high level. According to the results of the research, it has been seen that the technology acceptance status of the students in the CSCL environment has a direct and high impact on the KSB, CoI, and social interaction space. In addition, it was found that the increase in students’ social interaction space perceptions in the CSCL process has a direct effect on CoI.

Incorporating Collaborative and Active Learning Strategies in the Design and Deployment of a Master Course on Computer-Assisted Scientific Translation

This research aims to address the current gaps in computer-assisted translation (CAT) courses offered in bachelor’s and master’s programmes in scientific and technical translation (STT). A multi-framework course design methodology is proposed to support CAT teachers from the computer engineering field, improve student engagement, and promote computer-supported education, together with a balanced coverage of the most relevant topics in the CAT domain. STT is currently in high demand in many fields, requiring translators with sector-specific language skills and considerable computer literacy in order to manage translation projects with complex structures, and format heterogeneity. However, many STT curricula often lag behind current market demands, focusing primarily on language and translation theory, with less emphasis on CAT technologies and tools. Moreover, the lack of shared course design guidelines hinders the introduction of innovative teaching approaches based on collaborative learning. A novel multi-framework CAT course design methodology, named CATDeM, is proposed, based on the integration between an official European translation competence framework, real-life-mimicking laboratorial activities, and computer-supported collaborative learning, enriched with discussion case studies and role-playing experiences. A real-life case study is examined to illustrate and evaluate the implementation of CATDeM in two consecutive editions (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) of a one-semester compulsory CAT course in a M.A. degree in STT at the University of Salento (Italy). Students’ perceptions of translation technology and role-plays, as well as their attitudes towards the proposed CAT course are evaluated through a post-grading self-assessment questionnaire. Achieved results indicated successful student engagement and self-assessed improvement in translation, technical, and interpersonal skills. The importance given by students to role-playing experiences mimicking professional scenarios was also highlighted, paving the way for CATDeM to be adopted in similar contexts.

Beyond reading together: Facilitating knowledge construction through participation roles and social annotation in college classrooms

Social reading is a common practice in higher education to engage students in critical reading and classroom dialogues around course materials. This paper introduces a study that integrated a social annotation technology and a scaffolding framework to support social reading in undergraduate classrooms. The framework, grounded in the computer-supported collaborative learning literature, specifies three participation roles—namely, facilitator, synthesizer, and summarizer—that have distinct responsibilities in each week's social reading activities. Using Hypothesis, the social annotation technology, we piloted the framework in a fully online undergraduate course. To examine how the framework facilitated social interaction and knowledge construction, we applied social network analysis and content analysis to a rich dataset. Results revealed that the framework fostered active participation in class with students followed the assigned roles properly. This study has practical implications for online teaching and collaborative learning in higher education.

High School Students’ Perceptions of 1:1 CSCL Environment in a Mathematics Classroom

Most studies on technology integration in mathematics education are focused on teachers’ perceptions or students’ academic achievement. However, it is necessary to learn how students perceive their learning in this environment. This basic qualitative study focuses on students’ experiences with 1:1 computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) in an Algebraic Reasoning classroom. One hundred high school students were invited to participate in this study, nine primarily male students volunteered to share their experiences. We found that students perceived the environment to (1) be user-friendly, (2) provide a enjoyable experience, (3) support their learning, (4) provide multiple ways to learn, (5) allow them to “see” the concepts, (6) make previous interactions accessible, and (7) provide passive feedback

Exploring the Impact of Peer Mentoring on Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning among Undergraduate Students

Exploring the Impact of Peer Mentoring on Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning among Undergraduate Students

Collaborative Approaches in Online Nurse Education: A Systematic Literature Review

According to the socio-constructivist theories of learning, collaborative learning allows negotiation of shared meanings and co-construction of new knowledge among peers. This approach fits particularly well with healthcare professional education needs, as these professionals often face challenging issues that require the ability to fully understand the complexity of the patients’ health conditions through working with others. However, while collaborative learning approaches are widely used in face-to-face nurse education contexts, their online equivalent still seem to be understudied, in spite of their great potential for the field. This systematic literature review investigates: (1) to what extent are online collaborative learning activities being adopted and investigated in formal nurse education, (2) What kind of online collaborative learning activities/techniques are proposed and what team structures are employed, (3) what technologies are used to run these learning activities, and (4) what methods are used to evaluate the impact of these activities. Studies were included if they presented online collaborative learning activities proposed by Universities or VET (Vocational Education and Training) providers. Articles published in 2015 or later were collected in November 2022 from Scopus, Web of Science and Medline. A total of 1059 records were retrieved, selected and analysed by four coders, resulting in a final dataset of 75 papers that were coded for type of collaborative approach, study characteristics, research methodology used, strength of evidence, and relevance to the research questions. Most of them described the use of activities like Discussions, Case Studies and Peer Reviews, sometimes in association with Role Play. In terms of technologies, Learning Managements Systems, forums and social media were already common pre-pandemic, but during the lockdown synchronous communication tools – often used to support simulations – took over. Data collection was carried out quantitatively, qualitatively or using mixed methods, but in many cases data reporting is weak or absent at all. The majority of the retrieved papers illustrate activities where collaboration was not structured in any way and there was no joint assignment or common objective/artefact that learners needed to reach/produce. In case of blended interventions, often collaboration is limited to the f2f sessions, while the digital setting is used for individual work. In terms of social structure, most of the time small groups or plenaries are used. In summary, the review reveals that studies on online collaborative learning for nurses are limited, especially in Europe, and the design of online collaborative activities often clashes with the principles put forward by the Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) research community. Based on the results of the review we put forth some key recommendations, such as ensuring that online collaboration involves the creation of a shared artefact and striving to make virtual simulations actually collaborative, rather than limited to envisage student interactions in the debriefing phase. The paper also proposes a number of research areas seldom investigated and that would deserve further attention in the future.

Improving the Effectiveness of Hybrid Learning Through the Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Model Facing Pandemic Covid-19

Hybrid Learning using Computer Supported Collaboration Learning (CSCL) is an effort to maximize learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to increase the effectiveness of implementing hybrid learning using CSCL in dealing with COVID-19. The research method uses qualitative case studies, and the data is processed using interactive data analysis from Miles and Huberman. The results showed: 1) CSCL learning is a very appropriate model applied to blended learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, this model is able to improve student learning outcomes, students study harder, active, focused, learn quickly, discuss and cooperate in groups, have confidence, manage learning time and help each other in their groups; 2) The CSCL model is more effective compared to conventional learning models because it can create a more active, creative and innovative learning atmosphere; 3) CSCL learning during face-to-face classes is better able to improve student performance and creativity and innovation in learning compared to implementing CSCL in online learning, because students can discuss and cooperate directly; 4) CSCL learning is able to improve student learning outcomes, this condition can be seen from the assignment scores and midle test and final test grades; 5) CSCL learning is able to improve students' ability to discuss and collaborate in groups; 6) CSCL learning is able to overcome the limited internet network in Higher Education.

Physics Argumentation-Based Computer-Supported Collaborative Hybrid Learning to Increase Concept Mastery and Argumentation Skills

This study aims to increase the level of concept mastery and argumentation of senior high school students in Singkawang City, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The Physics Argumentation-Based Computer-Supported Collaborative Hybrid Learning (PABCSCHL) model in Socio-Scientific Issues (SSI) especially on the topic of the forest fire on the peatlands has been developed with good validation categories by three pedagogical validators and three assessment validators and been implemented to 200 students. Their argumentation skill levels are measured based on Toulmin Argumentation Pattern. The syntax of the PABCSCHL model is Reading (online), Concept Building, Discussing and Debating (offline), Experiment Designing (online), and Experiment Doing (offline). The core of this model is student collaboration in arguing, debating, and experimenting. From this research, most student solution to anticipate the fire forest on peatlands is burning and waiting until the fire is extinguished perfectly (70 students), monitoring periodically that the fire is completely extinguished (60 students), and limiting the burned area by digging trenches around the site (50 students). Student solutions describe students’ understanding of solving problems posed in group discussion sessions and debates and prove their arguments with experimental data. Before implementing the model, no student has the highest level of argumentation and concept mastery. After that, 23 students have the highest level of concept mastery, and 25 students have the highest level of argumentation. The PABCSCHL model can increase the level of concept mastery and argumentation skills. This model is a new alternative hybrid learning in the post COVID-19 pandemic. Many more SSI can be learning topics to be implemented in this model.

Exploring the Relationship between Participant Role and Collaborative Quality in Online Collaborative Discussions

The exploration of the role concept has become an important perspective for analyzing and promoting computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Understanding the relationships between individual participation roles and collaborative performance is of great significance to the research of collaborative learning theory, pedagogy and technology. However, few empirical studies investigated the individual participation roles in collaborative discussions and the impact of participation role configuration on group performance. Based on the interactive content of learners in collaborative discussions, this research uses machine learning methods to automatically identify learners’ participating roles. Through cluster analysis, five different roles are identified: leader, problem solver, coordinator, marginal learners and learners with difficulties. Furthermore, this research explores the relationships between individual participation roles and group collaboration quality. The results show that groups with different collaboration performances have different role compositions, and the roles of leader, problem solver and coordinator have significant positive effects on collaboration performance. Learners with difficulties have a negative impact on collaboration performance. Combining the research results with the discussion content of the learners, this research conducted an in-depth discussion and analysis of the characteristics of each role, and proposed implications for teaching guidance and researchers.

User anonymity versus identification in computer-supported collaborative learning: Comparing learners' preferences and behaviors

Previous research on the effect of anonymity on computer-supported collaborative learning has reported mostly positive results, as well as some negative results. Scholars have indicated that anonymity can promote more participation among members; however, it can also promote off-task behavior and spam. Although the concept has been investigated in different contexts (peer assessment, writing, debating, etc.) and from different perspectives (for example, social psychology, computer mediated communication), students' preferences and whether these preferences align with students' actual behavior during collaborative learning remain uncertain. In this study, we compared students' opinions with their technology-mediated conversations when they collaborated while anonymized versus while identified. Our results were derived from a survey and content analysis of conversation logs that included 186 university students. These findings suggest that anonymity promotes a less productive atmosphere, though students seem to prefer it. We present our findings about how anonymity affects the quantity and quality of collaboration, a group's work balance, and spam messages' role, among other factors. Moreover, we contribute new knowledge about the social component of the social identity model of deindividuation effects (SIDE). Finally, we propose new features for computer-supported collaborative learning tools that could help optimize anonymity to maximize its potential benefits.

Understanding young children’s science learning through embodied communication within an MR environment

While there is increased interest in using movement and embodiment to support learning due to the rise in theories of embodied cognition and learning, additional work needs to be done to explore how we can make sense of students collectively developing their understanding within a mixed-reality environment. In this paper, we explore embodied communication’s individual and collective functions as a way of seeing students’ learning through embodiment. We analyze data from a mixed-reality (MR) environment: Science through Technology Enhanced Play (STEP) (Danish et al., International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning 15:49–87, 2020), using descriptive statistics and interaction analysis to explore the role of gesture and movement in student classroom activities and their pre-and post-interviews. The results reveal that students appear to develop gestures for representing challenging concepts within the classroom and then use these gestures to help clarify their understanding within the interview context. We further explore how students collectively develop these gestures in the classroom, with a focus on their communicative acts, then provide a list of individual and collective functions that are supported by student gestures and embodiment within the STEP MR environment, and discuss the functions of each act. Finally, we illustrate the value of attending to these gestures for educators and designers interested in supporting embodied learning.

Research on Online Collaborative Problem-Solving in the Last 10 Years: Current Status, Hotspots, and Outlook—A Knowledge Graph Analysis Based on CiteSpace

Collaborative problem-solving is a crucial skill to be developed in education. With the development of information technology, collaborative problem-solving in online environments has received increasing attention in recent years. There has been some foundation of research on computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and collaborative problem-solving (CPS). They both have a focus, but there is a trend to combine them. Further understanding of the current state of research on online collaborative problem-solving is much needed. This study reviews 528 relevant papers from the last decade. The researchers summarized the current state of research and hotspots in online collaborative problem-solving based on the visual analysis of CiteSpace. It was found that the number of papers on online collaborative problem-solving is on the rise, with CPS and CSCL as the main research content and ‘feature extraction’, ‘task analysis’, and ‘computation modeling’ as the hot research topics in the past three years. The current research power on CPS and CSCL is mainly distributed in China and the United States, but the inter-institutional collaboration is little. Based on the research results, this paper proposes four future directions to improve the research in online collaborative problem-solving: identity awareness in online collaborative problem-solving, interdisciplinary online collaborative problem-solving, online collaborative problem-solving for teachers, and online collaborative problem-solving and ICT skills.

Mobile collaborative learning with social network awareness

AbstractBackgroundSocial network awareness (SNA) enables students to know the online learning context of peers in computer‐supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and it has been used to improve peer interaction and participation in collaborative learning tasks. Mobile learning enables students to access learning content and discuss content with peers regardless of location or time. Because almost every college student has their own mobile device and social networks are ubiquitous in their daily lives, a mobile learning application with social networking is promising for promoting effective learning if students are willing to continually use the application. However, few studies have investigated this.ObjectivesIn this study, SNA was integrated into a mobile‐based assessment (MBA–SNA). The study investigated whether students were willing to persist in the use of MBA–SNA and the factors influencing this intention.MethodsA 1‐month experiment was conducted to investigate the research question on the basis of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT).ResultsThe results demonstrated that (1) students were willing to continue using the MBA–SNA, (2) the incentives influencing behavioural intention (BI) in initial use and continual use differed, and (3) social influence (SI) and perceived playfulness (PP) were the two key determinants of continual use.ImplicationsThe SNA increases the positive impact of SI and PP on MBA continual use so that continual use can be assured. Future research should integrate SNA into other mobile learning apps (e.g., mobile collaborative writing or discussion apps) to enhance continued system use and learning effectiveness.

The research of implementing the computer-supported collaborative learning environment with Google Slides

The research of implementing the computer-supported collaborative learning environment with Google Slides

The effect of a group awareness tool in synchronous online discussions: studying participation, quality and balance

ABSTRACT Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) seeks to improve students’ learning with the support of technology. Although CSCL facilitates an enriching environment for cooperation, CSCL activities might be affected by asymmetrical participation. Group awareness tools have proven to enhance learners’ interactions, balancing the levels of participation and increasing the learning outcomes. This study investigates the effect of a group awareness tool (GAT) on participation within synchronous CSCL activities in the context of extracurricular activities. We designed a quasi-experimental within-subject study (GAT exposure and control condition) and tested an ad hoc GAT in a web-based CSCL platform with high school students (N = 140). The measured variables included the effect of the GAT on students’ participation and the quality of discussion. A complementary analysis evaluated students’ perceptions of the tool. Results revealed that the implementation of a GAT encourages students to take part in CSCL discussions without explicitly hindering its quality. Even so, the balance of participation was not significantly affected. Students further reported that they found the GAT useful to regulate collaboration. The results from the study provide further knowledge of the functioning of group awareness tools in secondary education and share an insight into how students perceive them.