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An analysis of collaborative problem‐solving activities mediated by individual‐based and collaborative computer simulations
Author(s) -
Chang C.J.,
Chang M.H.,
Liu C.C.,
Chiu B.C.,
Fan Chiang S.H.,
Wen C.T.,
Hwang F.K.,
Chao P.Y.,
Chen Y.L.,
Chai C.S.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of computer assisted learning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.583
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2729
pISSN - 0266-4909
DOI - 10.1111/jcal.12208
Subject(s) - collaborative learning , computer supported collaborative learning , collaborative writing , mathematics education , computer science , space (punctuation) , test (biology) , reflection (computer programming) , group (periodic table) , problem based learning , cooperative learning , process (computing) , teaching method , psychology , chemistry , paleontology , organic chemistry , biology , programming language , operating system
Researchers have indicated that the collaborative problem‐solving space afforded by the collaborative systems significantly impact the problem‐solving process. However, recent investigations into collaborative simulations, which allow a group of students to jointly manipulate a problem in a shared problem space, have yielded divergent results regarding their effects on collaborative learning. Hence, this study analysed how students solved a physics problem using individual‐based and collaborative simulations to understand their effects on science learning. Multiple data sources including group discourse, problem‐solving activities, learning test scores, and questionnaire feedback were analysed. Lag sequential analysis on the data found that students using the two simulations collaborated with peers to solve the problem in significantly different patterns. The students using the collaborative simulations demonstrated active engagement in the collaborative activity; however, they did not transform discussions into workable problem‐solving activities. The students using the individual‐based simulation showed a lower level of collaboration engagement, starting with individual exploration of the problem with the simulation, followed by group reflection. The two groups also showed significant differences in their learning test scores. The findings and pedagogical suggestions are discussed in the hope of addressing critical activity design issues in using computer simulations for facilitating collaborative learning.