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The reliance on the use of virtual learning environments, particularly computer-supported collaborative learning environments, is increasing in higher education institutions. This paper explores the perceived sociability of a virtual learning environment after it was implemented in an interdisciplinary project-based course in a higher education institute in Norway due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes the validation of a sociability scale in a sample of 1,611 students. The paper also reports on differences in perceived sociability according to gender, field of study and personality and the extent to which perceptions of sociability relate to the experience of a sudden change from a real-life learning environment to a virtual one. The results of this large-scale study suggest that the Norwegian version of the sociability scale can be used as a valid and reliable instrument to measure the perceived sociability of a virtual learning environment in the context of self-organized student project teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning is a promising innovation that ameliorates tutoring through modern technologies. However, the way of recommending collaborative activities to learners, by taking into account their learning needs and preferences, is an important issue of increasing interest. In this context, this paper presents a framework for providing recommendations of collaborative activities to learners by employing an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the Weighted Sum Model (WSM). In our approach, the Gardner and Korth framework is employed to identify the dimensions of the learners' collaborative learning styles. For each dimension, different weights are assigned and used as input data for the ANN. Then, the WSM and the activation function determine the output vector by mapping the resulting values. The final output of the ANN is a different percentage of collaborative activities in which learners can participate. This output is used to recommend the activities to the learners. As a testbed for our research, we have developed an intelligent tutoring system for the programming language "Java". Our system was evaluated using an established framework and the statistical hypothesis test. The results show a high degree of pedagogical affordance and usefulness of our approach as well as its positive impact on learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new computer-supported collaborative learning-based groupware is proposed for supporting problem-based collaborative learning in computer programming education setting. The geo-distributed learners can collaboratively with their tutor resolve the common programming problem within a shared workspace. The proposed system embeds some synchronous and asynchronous collaborative tools that allow learners and tutor to interact with each other to develop a shared source code of the program. This research work has two main objectives. First, it attempts to present the proposed groupware functionalities. Second, it discusses the experimental study adopted to assess the acceptability of the Groupware. Such study is an empirical method based on the model of unified theory of the acceptance and use of technology to determine learners' Behavioural Intention (BI) to accept to use such Groupware in Algerian higher education setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how the use of smartphones vs. laptops influences students' engagement, behaviour and experience watching academic videos in a collaborative classroom. Experiments were run in authentic teaching sessions with a total of 483 first-year higher education students. The methodology applied is a quasi-experimental design with post-test-only, being the independent variable, the device used to visualise the academic videos. Results indicate that the use of laptops has provided better results in terms of student's engagement with the videos, their collaborative behaviour and satisfaction with the device. Hence, the findings of this research suggest that the type of mobile device used in activities that consider the use of videos in a collaborative class need to be carefully chosen to maximise the student's comfortability – and in consequence, their engagement with the video-based learning activity and their positive behaviour and experience within the collaborative context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language learning tools have evolved to take into consideration new teaching models of collaboration and communication. While second language acquisition tasks have been taken online, the traditional language laboratory has remained unchanged. By continuing to follow its original configuration based on individual work, the language laboratory fails to take advantage of the potential provided by collaborative learning. We propose the use of a language laboratory based on single-display groupware (SDG) for learning vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and listening comprehension. By adopting SDG, the language laboratory benefits from the advantages of small group collaborative learning. In this paper, we first describe the design and pedagogical merit of the SDG collaborative language laboratory. We then share the results of a quasi-experimental pre–post comparison study, and use an observation guideline to analyze whether the conditions for collaborative learning have been fulfilled. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that developing pronunciation skills can be more effective when using a collaborative language laboratory versus an individual language laboratory. In addition to this, it can also be concluded that collaborative learning is most effective when accompanied by adequate instructional design. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The online learning practice has already demonstrated that the quality of interaction and motivation in collaborative learning is not as good as expected, due to the loneliness and burnout feeling spawned by inadequate learning status information about others. This study proposed a model on group awareness to feedback information of group learning status with charts or diagrams, including the cognitive awareness, social awareness and behavioural awareness, so as to support the self-regulated learning and group interaction. On the platform developed for teaching of computer science, an experiment that lasted for one semester was conducted on three classes (one experimental class and two control classes). And students' ability of learning strategies and self-efficacy were measured before and after the experiment. The group awareness tool embedded in the platform was applied to generate status about the interaction in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. The data analysis showed that the model had a significant effect on maintaining motivation, reducing the sense of loneliness and improving interaction quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we investigate human-centered artificial intelligence (HCAI) in an educational context where pupils used block-based programming in small groups to solve tasks given by the teacher. We used a design-based research approach in which we, together with the teachers, created a maker space for explorative science learning and organised teaching interventions wherein the pupils met online three hours a week for 16 weeks for an entire school year. Due to COVID-19, data were collected through Zoom, with collaborative learning situations captured through screen sharing and online communication using webcams. We employed three data analysis techniques: interaction analysis, visual artifact analysis, and thematic analysis. We developed an analytical framework for integration using thematic coding that combined concepts from computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and domain-oriented design environments. We report the following findings: 1) Three types of rules between design units were identified with visual artifact analysis: latent, generic, and domain-specific rules; 2) two types of CSCL artifacts (technology and discussions) were intertwined and developed in parallel, along with a computer-based scaffolding scenario that offloads domain-specific scaffolding from humans to computers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is a technology-driven inquiry-based approach that encourages social interaction and shared knowledge construction in completing computer-aided tasks. Although there were researches carried out on CSCL, no research to date has extensively examined how CSCL enhanced with scripts containing student-generated questions can facilitate the development of logical thinking, an essential skill to effectively comprehend science concepts. In this light, this research examined the effects of co-creating scripts in CSCL on students' logical thinking. This utilized a three-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design with two delayed posttests which involved Grade 7 students. One group was exposed to CSCL with scripting while the other group was exposed to CSCL without scripting. On the other hand, the control group was exposed to a conventional teaching approach. Findings revealed that CSCL approaches significantly improved students' logical thinking, F(2, 113) = 5.616, p =.0025. Further, the delayed posttests consistently showed that CSCL with scripting significantly influenced the development of logical thinking. Notably, this research builds and extends on previous researches regarding the synergistic scaffolding of the inquiry-based approach, technology integration, collaborative learning, and question-asking activity. This innovation catalyzed learning and offered essential implications that provided opportunities for future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of research on intentions and effects of first- and second-order argument scaffolding of computer-supported collaborative argumentation competence development and domain-specific knowledge acquisition are ambivalent. A systematic review of research in secondary and higher education (SE and HE) has been conducted to clarify and synthesise these intentions and effects, thereby differentiating between communication type (synchronous–asynchronous) and group size. Empirical research with pre-post-test designs was included only. Using specific search terms, 527 articles were found; 19 of these met pre-set selection criteria. Results indicate that HE studies intended to foster argumentation knowledge and domain-specific knowledge acquisition (i.e. knowledge construction), and reported significant effects for both types of knowledge. SE studies, however, intended to foster argumentation behaviour and domain specific knowledge acquisition (i.e. learning by doing), and showed significant effects regarding the latter only. HE studies predominantly used asynchronous, and SE studies synchronous communication. Choice of group size was not explicitly justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments provide learners with multiple representational tools for storing, sharing, and constructing knowledge. However, little is known about how learners organize knowledge through multiple representations about complex socioscientific issues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate learners’ knowledge organization (KO) through multiple representations in a CSCL environment. We designed a learning unit on nuclear energy and implemented it with a group of 20 college students. The participants used a web-based hypertext KO platform that incorporated three representational modes: textual, pictorial, and concept map. The platform interlinked learners’ knowledge entries based on similar keywords. Utilizing mixed methods research we analyzed the individual entries and the knowledge base to determine KO both at the individual and the collective levels. We found that the density of the knowledge base was high; the learners mostly benefited from their text- and concept map-based entries, though the picture-based entries were also an important means for connecting entries with similar content and hence creating a dense knowledge base. Our results suggest that KO with multiple representations can create a more comprehensive knowledge base. Using distinct analytical approaches will allow CSCL researchers to better identify KO both at the individual and collective levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured argumentation support environments have been built and used in scientific discourse in the literature. However, to the best our knowledge, there is no research work in the literature examining whether student’s knowledge has grown during learning activities with asynchronous argumentation. In this work, an intelligent computer-supported collaborative argumentation-based learning platform that detects whether the learners address the expected discussion issues is proposed. After each learner presents an argument, a term weighting method is adopted to derive input parameters of a one-class support vector machines classifier which determines if the learners’ arguments are related to the discussion topics. Notably, a peer review mechanism is established to improve the quality of the classifier. Besides, a feedback module is used to issue feedback messages to the learners if the learners have gone off on a tangent. The experimental results revealed that the students were benefited by the proposed learning-assistance platform. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

One important feature of vocational education is to provide students with solid conceptual knowledge along with substantial practical experience, acquired in school and workplace contexts, respectively. However, the research provided evidence that students do not spontaneously articulate the knowledge acquired in different contexts, and that specific instructional activities have to be designed and introduced. The present study deals with this type of activity conducted in a vocational school for health and social care assistants, which involved the use of collaborative writing about workplace critical incidents. The goal was to identify the patterns of interactions, and specifically the type of peer-feedback that engage students in productive collaboration. Qualitative analyses show that the writing productions could be categorized in four collaboration patterns differing in the level in which students would elaborate on their peers’ experience and profit from the peers’ suggestions in order to improve their understanding. On this basis, we propose a series of recommendations for implementing effective and instructionally relevant collaborative writing activities in vocational education. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article analyses how a group of teachers managed the resources available while performing computer-supported collaborative problem-solving tasks in the context of professional development. The authors video-recorded and analysed collaborative sessions during which the group of teachers used a digital environment to prepare a pedagogical scenario for subsequent implementation in their schools. The findings provide evidence that some aspects of context management can be explained in terms of explorative (opening problem space) and focused (closing problem space) actions. The results indicate that (a) the focused problem-solving took place when the problem space reached a provisional stability and problem-solvers developed a plan for proceeding with the task, (b) the individual exploration of the context was associated with the process of appropriation of a digital educational environment, and (c) the collective exploration of the context fostered the advancement of collaborative problem-solving and the introduction of new elements in the joint problem space. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Group formation task as a starting point for computer-supported collaborative learning plays a key role in achieving pedagogical goals. Various approaches have been reported in the literature to address this problem, but none have offered an optimal solution. In this research, an online learning environment was modeled as a weighted undirected complete graph in which each learner was implied as a node and the relationship between them was denoted as a weighted arc. The weight of each link indicated the similarity degree between the corresponding individuals. The similarity between two students was measured as the mean of their absolute interest levels. The graph was also represented through a symmetric adjacency matrix. Then, a novel binary integer programming formulation was proposed to model the group formation problem and optimally assign each learner to the most appropriate group. The method was utilized to divide an online class of 32 learners into 8 groups of size 4. Findings indicated that the suggested model was successful in optimally solving the problem in 20.53 seconds, on average. The performance of the method was also compared with a modified version of K-means clustering algorithm. Although, the running time of the suggested technique was not as good as the clustering algorithm, it generated better outcomes in theory and in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Higher education institutions are evolving and technology often plays a central role in their transformations. Educational changes benefit from a supportive environment. The study examines the relationship between organisational culture and teachers’ perceptions of and responses to technology-enhanced innovation among Chinese universities. A survey research was conducted among 684 teachers from six universities. Seven dimensions of organisational culture were considered: goal orientation, participative decision making, innovation orientation, structured leadership, supportive leadership, shared vision and formal relationships. Two aspects of technology-enhanced innovation were investigated: the use of e-learning and computer-supported collaborative learning. The results indicate that features of organisational culture are important factors that are associated with teachers’ perceptions of and responsiveness to innovation and the implementation of technology-enhanced innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this exploratory study, the authors introduced an interculturally enriched collaboration script (IECS) for working in culturally diverse groups within a computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environment and then assessed student online collaborative behaviour, learning performance and experiences. The question was if and how these variables differed for the groups that used an IECS versus groups that used a general collaboration script (CS) that did not include intercultural elements. Using a web conferencing tool, 47 students from a university in Ukraine and a university in the Netherlands worked together in groups to develop project plans on an environmental problem. The groups in the IECS condition showed a higher frequency of so-called contributing behaviour but a lower frequency of planning behaviour, seeking input and social interaction than the groups in the CS condition. The IECS groups also produced better project plans than the CS groups. Future study using a similar experimental set-up but with larger samples is recommended to see if the present results can be replicated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]