The Efficacy Of Online Cooperative Learning Systems

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Charlie Chen Ph.D, Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Purpose – This study investigates the impact of online synchronous audio and video systems on the performance of cooperative learning in decision making and intellective tasks.Design/methodology/approach – In total, 156 subjects, divided into 46 groups, were invited to resolve decision and intellective tasks in text messaging and audio conferencing e-learning environments.Findings – For decision-making tasks, audio conferencing has a significant impact on cooperative learning satisfaction but not on learning performance; while for intellective tasks, neither audio conferencing nor textmessaging has an impact on cooperative learning outcomes. There are no cross-effects between platforms and task types on cooperative learning outcomes. The results indicate that the main effects of platforms and task types areindependent. In other words, the impact of platforms on group discussion processes can be examined without the need of considering task types, since the latter will not affect the impacts of platforms.Research limitations/implications – The main effects of information richness and task types are independent.Major limitation is that the student sample may not be sufficiently representative to allow wider generalization ofthe findings of this study.Practical implications – The main effects of information richness and task types are independent as far as learningoutcomes are concerned. The learners’ attitude toward the synchronous learning system significantly affects thesatisfaction of synchronous online cooperative learning.Originality/value – This study uses empirical data to validate the hypothesized relationships between the independent variables of online synchronous learning systems (audio- and text-based), the moderating variable oftask types (decision making vs intellective) and the dependent variable of learning outcomes.

Additional Information

Publication
Chen, Charlie. Wu, Jiinpo. Yang, Samuel (2006) "The Efficacy Of Online Cooperative Learning Systems The Perspective Of Task-Technology Fit." The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology 27(3) pg. 112-127 Version Of Record Available At www.emeraldinsight.com
Language: English
Date: 2006
Keywords
, e-learning, decision-making, communication, learning-methods,

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