Computer-supported Collaborative Learning Research Articles

Hands-on Consensus Building: Leveraging Deep Learning Models to Unveil Hand Gestures in Consensus-Building Discourses

From the lens of embodied cognition, hand gestures emerge as vital embodiments facilitating shared meaning-making among learners in collaborative learning. Despite this recognition, the specific role of hand employment in various consensus-building discourses remains elusive, and there is a lack of quantitative evidence of hand employment in authentic classrooms. This study delves into the nuanced application of embodied cognition through hands across distinct consensus-building scenarios—quick, integration-oriented, and conflict-oriented consensus-building discourses. Forty engineering students from a Singapore university collaborated in dyads to solve design problems in a face-to-face computer-supported collaborative learning environment. Their collaboration process was video recorded. A deep learning-based model was applied to quantify students’ hand movement. The different kinds of individual and collaborative hand gestures were analyzed. The results found a significantly larger quantity and more balanced quantity of hand gesture employment during conflict-oriented consensus-building discourse than other consensus-building discourses. Students most often applied depictive gestures and idea alternations to demonstrate their understanding and build on each other’s ideas. This study quantitatively explores how hand gestures contribute to consensus-building in collaborative learning, corroborating existing qualitative research. It suggests that incorporating hand gestures in classrooms may enhance students’ thought processes and foster shared understanding.

A Topical Review of Research in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning: Questions and Possibilities

A Topical Review of Research in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning: Questions and Possibilities

Epistemic network analysis (ENA) in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) research: Insights from a systematic literature review

Epistemic network analysis (ENA) in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) research: Insights from a systematic literature review

How does task complexity affect group processes and dynamics in computer-supported collaborative learning? An analysis of structural relationships between perceived task complexity, group atmosphere, group cohesion, transactive memory

How does task complexity affect group processes and dynamics in computer-supported collaborative learning? An analysis of structural relationships between perceived task complexity, group atmosphere, group cohesion, transactive memory

Students’ Proof Construction through Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning: The Perspectives of Habermas’ Theory of Rationality and Duval’s Theory of Registers of Semiotic Representation

Students’ Proof Construction through Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning: The Perspectives of Habermas’ Theory of Rationality and Duval’s Theory of Registers of Semiotic Representation

Analyzing first-semester chemistry students’ transactive talk and problem-solving activities in an intervention study through a quantitative coding manual

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, digital video conferencing formats temporarily became the new norm at universities. Due to social distancing, these environments were often the only way for students to work together. In the present study, we investigated how first-semester chemistry students dealt with new, challenging content, i.e., quantum theories of chemical bonding such as molecular orbital (MO) theory, in such an unfamiliar collaboration environment. Studies in the field of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) suggest that small groups working on complex tasks are particularly effective when students actively build on the ideas and reasoning of their peers, i.e., when they engage in transactive talk and when they structure their work on a metacognitive level by following typical problem-solving patterns.MethodsTo operationalize these constructs, we developed a coding manual through quantitative content analysis, that we used to analyze a total of N = 77 students working together in 21 small groups on two consecutive tasks: the creation of glossaries and the construction of concept maps on MO theory. Our manual showed very good characteristics in terms of internal consistency and inter-coder reliability. Based on the data obtained, it was possible to not only describe the student’s transactive communication and problem-solving activities, but to correlate it with other variables such as knowledge development in MO theory, which allowed us to compare the two different collaborative phases as well as different treatment groups.Results and discussionStudents showed a higher proportion of transactivity and problem-solving activities when constructing the concept maps than when creating glossaries. In terms of knowledge gains, a multiple linear regression analysis revealed that students in groups that derived consequences from their collaborative work showed greater improvements than students who did not, although the students’ prior knowledge remained the most influential factor. As for the different treatments, our data did not reveal any noticeable difference when students from a small group worked with either complementary or identical material before collaboration, neither in terms of transactive talk nor problem-solving patterns. All in all, we were able to develop and test a powerful tool to quantify transactive communication and problem-solving activities in a collaborative context.

An Escape Room-Based Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Approach to Enhancing Students’ Learning Achievement, Collaboration Awareness, Learning Motivation and Problem-Solving Skills

Traditional teaching methods often limit interactive learning, negatively impacting students’ motivation and learning achievement. Moreover, fostering collaborative awareness and problem-solving skills is crucial for developing the core competencies of future nursing professionals. To address these challenges, this study proposed an escape room-based computer-supported collaborative learning (ER-CSCL) approach to enhance students’ learning outcomes in an obstetrics course. A quasi-experimental study involving 55 nursing students (28 in the experimental group and 27 in the control group) was conducted in a nursing school in northern Taiwan to compare the effectiveness of the ER-CSCL approach with the video-based learning method. The study assessed four key outcomes: learning achievement, collaboration awareness, learning motivation, and problem-solving skills. The results indicated that the ER-CSCL approach significantly outperformed the video-based learning method in terms of learning achievement, collaboration awareness, learning motivation, and problem-solving skills. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that integrating an interactive escape room online game-based learning tool with CSCL strategies effectively engages nursing students and enhances their learning outcomes. This innovative approach aligns with the goals of nursing education, proving a dynamic avenue for immersive learning and cultivating professional knowledge and practical skills among nursing students.

A Systematic Literature Review on ICT Integration: Opportunities and Challenges in Teaching Mathematics

Integrating information and communication technology in modern education is very instrumental in changing the way mathematics is taught and learned. Research in the Philippines explores how ICT is integrated into the country's teaching of math, outlining opportunities and challenges for Filipino teachers and students. This study used a systematic literature review with the aid of the PRISMA framework. A total of 22,800 scholarly articles in Google Scholar was reduced to 994 after title and keyword screening. After the final analysis, 12 articles met all criteria. Literature review shows that integrating ICT into math education offers an incredible number of benefits such as increased student engagement, new pedagogies, improved classroom management, flexibility in learning and teaching, and enhanced assessment. ICT improves contact between teachers and students as it creates possibilities for computer-supported collaborative learning using tools such as virtual manipulatives and simulations to deepen understanding of skills referred to as higher-order thinking. Several challenges still exist despite the benefits. Most schools lack proper ICT infrastructure: reliable internet and enough devices. The budget makes it hard to acquire equipment or relevant software needed for such instruction. Some teachers are not confident and need training in using ICT, and technical support is not adequate. These will only lead to uneven use of ICT in classrooms, hence limiting the possible impact on mathematics teaching. Infrastructural improvements, funds, and training of teachers, when coupled with technical support, might propel more efficient integration of ICT in math instructions within Philippine education. These will build vibrant learning environments that pave the way for learners toward success in a world increasingly dominated by digital technology.

Problem or project-based computer-supported collaborative learning practices in computer education: A systematic review of SSCI articles published from 2014 to 2023

Problem or project-based computer-supported collaborative learning practices in computer education: A systematic review of SSCI articles published from 2014 to 2023

Empowering Student Transition and Engaging Students Using Actionbound: A Gamified Collaborative Community Learning Platform

Transition to University is a significant milestone for students who are embracing new experiences and challenges. It is particularly vital for international students who have to adapt to a new and different learning environment in the UK. Successful transition and sense of belonging in a new institution lay foundation for students’ academic success. However, transition is a process rather than an event. Accordingly, fostering a collaborative community learning environment and facilitate peer networks and community support becomes critical. It enables social interactions and active learning by engaging students in collaborative group activities, which would in turn support students’ transition to and belonging in a new learning environment. With the advancement of technology, computer-assisted and computer-supported collaborative learning flourished in 21st century. The emergence of mobile digital technology leads to the design of gamification in learning, known as game-based learning or gamified collaborative community learning in order to engage students in fun and interactive activities. ‘Actionbound’ is one of the versatile gamification platforms and mobile apps which can engage students in collaborative community learning with gamified activities. It enables users to create, share and participate in interactive scavenger hunts, tours, games and quizzes. It allows users to design custom challenges, incorporate multimedia content and track players’ progress in real-time. It engages participants to work collaboratively to solve challenges and complete tasks. At UHBS, we have used Actionbound to support the student transition into the University’ learning journey at the start of term. We used scavenger hunt game and quiz functions within Actionbound to direct students to collaborate in teams to solve the challenges and tasks. In this action research, students found Actionbound fun and loved the competitive nature with points and leaderboards. It helped them build network and form friendship. Together, they solved puzzles and tackled challenges which supported their transition and got them prepared for learning in a new environment. Moving forward, as an ongoing action research, we would like to extend the use of Actionbound to term time and in module delivery so to track students’ engagement with the collaborative learning platform and investigate the impact on their academic performance.

Studying the Flow Experience in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) is recognized as an effective methodology for fostering social interaction mediated by technology in ways that potentially trigger learning. The successful implementation of CSCL hinges on factors such as the scripting mechanics for activity sequencing proposed by Collaborative Learning Flow Patterns (CLFP). Yet, research in CSCL scripts has not studied if CLFPs achieves the so-called notion of “flow experience,” defined as an optimal state in which individuals are engaged and absorbed in an activity. This study proposes an approach to measure flow in the case of the Pyramid CLFP and studies the factors that influence the flow experience in the PyramidApp tool. The study tests a model that uses analysis of the Flow Short Scale and data logs. The findings show that there is a relationship between factors such as the speed of individual contributions and active participation in groups with the flow experience. Notably, the quantity of participation does not exhibit a discernible impact on the flow. The study emphasizes the interest of the modelled factors and the proposed approach for learning analytics to understand the flow experience in CLFP implementations.

Using multilayer network analysis to detect the collaborative knowledge construction characteristics among learner groups with low, medium, and high levels of cognitive engagement

Collaborative knowledge construction (CKC) is advanced by group members' cognitive engagement across three levels: individual-level knowledge processing and proposing, the peer-level social interactions and knowledge exchanges between two group members, and the group-level coordination and construction of knowledge across multiple group members. The interconnected and transformative relationship among three levels is an essential factor during the CKC process. Individual viewpoints can trigger peer feedback, which can be further refined by other group members; the group-level consensus can provide foundations for subsequent individual- or peer-level cognitive engagement. The group-level coordination of knowledge advancement involves the processing, synthesis, and reflection of knowledge from multiple members to reach a group consensus. However, previous analytical approaches have faced challenges in modeling distinct types of interconnections across the individual, peer, and group levels during the CKC process. To address this gap, this research employed multilayer network analysis (MNA) to model and quantify the multi-level and interconnected characteristics of CKC in a series of face-to-face, computer-supported CKC activities in China's higher education. First, small groups were categorized into the high, medium, and low levels of cognitive engagement groups. Second, multilayer networks were constructed for each category, where students' use of cognitive strategies were set as nodes, the interconnections between cognitive strategies were set as edges, and three levels (i.e., individual, peer, and group levels) were set as layers. The node-, layer-, and network-level metrics were calculated to quantify the overall characteristics of the networks, the interconnected characteristics within a level and across the three levels. The MNA results revealed that, compared to lower level of cognitive engagement groups, groups with higher cognitive engagement demonstrated (1) more influential moderate and deep cognitive strategies at group and peer levels; (2) interconnections between cognitive strategies with higher diversity, connectivity, and more balanced distribution across three levels, but relatively lower information exchanging efficiency; and (3) communities with more interconnections related to the moderate and deep cognitive strategies at peer and group levels. Based on the empirical findings, this research proposed pedagogical implications for CKC practices and analytical implications for using MNA to improve the understanding of computer-supported collaborative learning mechanisms.

Exploring the nature of peer feedback: An epistemic network analysis approach

AbstractBackground StudyPeer feedback has been used as an effective instructional strategy to enhance students' learning in higher education.ObjectivesThis paper reports on the findings of an explorative study that aimed to increase our understanding of the nature and role of peer feedback in the students' learning process in a computer‐supported collaborative learning (CSCL) setting. Exploring what types of feedback are used, and how they relate to each other and are related to academic performance has important implications for students and teachers.MethodsThis study was conducted in the higher education setting. It used a dataset consisting of student peer feedback messages (N = 2444) and grades from 231 students who participated in a large engineering course. Using qualitative methods, peer feedback was coded inductively. Epistemic network analysis (ENA) was used to analyse the relation between peer feedback types and performance.ResultsBased on the five types of peer feedback (i.e., ‘management’, ‘cognition’ ‘affect’, ‘interpersonal factors’ and ‘suggestions for improvements’), the results of the ENA showed that student feedback categories ‘management’, ‘cognition’ and ‘affect’ were positively related to student performance at the formative assessment phase.ConclusionsThe findings and the ENA visualizations also show that ‘suggestions for improvement’ and ‘interpersonal factors’ were not a significant part of student learning in peer assessment and feedback in the studied context.

Exploring the Effects of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning on Language Boredom and Achievement in EFL Writing Class

Exploring the Effects of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning on Language Boredom and Achievement in EFL Writing Class

The impacts of computer-supported collaborative learning on students’ critical thinking: a meta-analysis

The impacts of computer-supported collaborative learning on students’ critical thinking: a meta-analysis

Knowledge creation through maker practices and the role of teacher and peer support in collaborative invention projects

This study analyzed collaborative invention projects by teams of lower-secondary (13–14-year-old) Finnish students. In invention projects, student teams design and make materially embodied collaborative inventions using traditional and digital fabrication technologies. This investigation focused on the student teams’ knowledge creation processes by examining how they applied maker practices (i.e., design process, computer engineering, product design, and science practices) in their co-invention projects and the effects of teacher and peer support. In our investigations, we relied on video data and on-site observations, utilizing and further developing visual data analysis methods. Our findings assist in expanding the scope of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) research toward sociomaterially mediated knowledge creation, revealing the open-ended, nonlinear, and self-organized flow of the co-invention projects that take place around digital devices. Our findings demonstrate the practice-based, knowledge-creating nature of these processes, where computer engineering, product design, and science are deeply entangled with design practices. Furthermore, embodied design practices of sketching, practical experimenting, and working with concrete materials were found to be of the essence to inspire and deepen knowledge creation and advancement of epistemic objects. Our findings also reveal how teachers and peer tutor students can support knowledge creation through co-invention.

Every Lesson Needs a Gandalf: How Interactive Storytelling can Enhance the Collaborative Learning Experience!

Every teacher aspires to create the ideal lesson! You want to convey the knowledge and skills in the best possible way while also keeping learners motivated. In our design case, we focus on the complex skill of collaborative problem-solving (CPS). In today’s complex world, the acquisition of CPS competencies is considered an important learning goal in education. However, there is limited knowledge on how to teach and assess CPS competencies. In addition to tackling these challenges, we search for new ways of interactive storytelling to implement in the learning materials. Our main design challenge was how to design a learning experience that encourages CPS. To address these challenges, we started in 2020 the project titled Supporting TEamwork in AMbient learning Spaces (STEAMS). In this project, we designed the EDUbox Teamwork, a four-hour learning activity for children between the ages of 10 to 14. In this paper, we describe the iterative process of designing the materials to learn about CPS (i.e., CPS as a learning goal) by doing CPS (i.e., CPS as a method), enhanced by interactive storytelling, for which the design-based research approach was used. The design team consisted of a diverse group of educational researchers, computer scientists, instructional graphical designers, digital storytellers, and teachers. Given the strong collaboration between a research group specialized in computer-supported collaborative learning and specialists in digital storytelling, our design case incorporated insights from both parties. The learning activity was piloted both in in-vivo and in-vitro contexts in collaboration with at least 400 students.

Combining Danmaku and Discussion Boards: Toward A Scalable and Sociable Environment for Mass Collaboration in MOOCs

In online learning at scale, wherein instructional videos play a central role, interactive tools are often integrated to counteract passive consumption. For example, the forum or discussion board is widely used, and an emerging functionality, danmaku, which enables messages to be synchronized with video playback, has also been utilized recently. To explore how mass participation is accommodated and what categories of interaction learners implement, this study utilizes analysis of interaction and manual content analysis through learner-generated text data from two specific tools employed in a massive open online course (MOOC) setting: the discussion board (N = 739) and danmaku (N = 2435). Results of the analysis of interaction indicate that mass participation is managed differently by the tools: danmaku fosters a collective space for massive participants, while the discussion board organizes them into threaded small groups. In addition, results of the content analysis show danmaku primarily supports indirect interaction with a focus on the socio-emotional dimension, while the discussion board serves as a platform for direct discussions, particularly in the cognitive dimension. Furthermore, within the context of large-scale engagement, various levels of joint interaction, in addition to collaboration, are discerned and discussed in both socio-emotional and cognitive interactions. The findings offer insights for developing sociable and scalable socio-technical environments in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL), addressing emerging educational trends. Practical implications for educational design based on these findings are also discussed.

Unveiling Effective CSCL Constructs for STEM Education in Malaysia and Indonesia

The acquisition of knowledge and skills in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) plays a crucial role in fostering the development of future innovators. These subjects are critical for creating future thinkers. Additionally, it is important to note that there are a lot of job openings in the STEM fields, and this trend is expected to keep growing. However, students don’t seem to be as motivated to study in STEM fields or work in STEM fields. One teaching method that is becoming more popular is computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). This is because it can have a big effect on how people learn, especially in STEM subjects. It is very important to set up a CSCL learning environment for STEM schooling right away. However, that there isn’t a good framework and there aren’t many widely used design methods in this area. Without a question, there is a strong need to learn more about design methodologies in the areas of collaborative and technology-enhanced learning to come up with simple methods for CSCL. Because of this, the goal of this study is to investigate the conceptual parts of CSCL methods in STEM education. This will be used to make CSCL educational methods that are good especially for STEM education. STEM academics in Malaysia and Indonesia were surveyed using questionnaires to find the most important parts of CSCL strategies in STEM education, and the results were analysed using the Fuzzy Delphi Method. The results give us a list of CSCL settings used in schools, which can be used as a guide for creating and using CSCL strategies in STEM education.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL OF COMPUTER-SUPPORTED COLLABORATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING IN KAZAKHSTAN

Language learning is an essential skill in an increasingly interconnected world, facilitating effective communication and fostering cultural understanding. It is a critical aspect of education in a globalized world, particularly in culturally diverse nations like Kazakhstan. Through various methodologies and technologies, language learning empowers individuals to navigate diverse linguistic landscapes and engage meaningfully with people from different backgrounds. This article explores the transformative potential of Computer-Supported Collaborative Language Learning (CSCLL) as an innovative approach to language education in Kazakhstan. Grounded in theories of social constructivism and socio-cultural learning, CSCLL integrates technology with collaborative learning methodologies to enhance language acquisition and proficiency. Kazakhstan's linguistic landscape, characterized by the significance of Kazakh, Russian, and other languages, underscores the relevance of innovative language education approaches. CSCLL offers benefits such as increased motivation, improved communicative competence, and enhanced cultural awareness, aligning well with Kazakhstan's multicultural context. However, effective CSCLL implementation requires attention to factors such as technological infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum alignment. Through research methods including surveys, experimental studies, content analysis, and longitudinal studies, this article provides insights into the perceptions, experiences, and expectations of educators and students regarding CSCLL in Kazakhstan. Despite challenges such as technological disparities and pedagogical adaptation, CSCLL holds promise for enhancing language learning outcomes and promoting cultural competence in Kazakhstan's educational system.