The effect of functional roles on perceived group efficiency during computer-supported collaborative learning

In this article, the effect of functional roles on group performance and collaboration during computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is investigated. Especially the need for triangulating multiple methods is emphasised: Likert-scale evaluation questions, quantitative content analysis of e-mail communication and qualitative analysis of open-ended questions were used. A comparison of fourty-one questionnaire observations, distributed over thirteen groups in two research conditions – groups with prescribed functional roles (n = 7, N = 18) and nonrole groups (n = 6, N = 23) – revealed no main effect for performance (grade). Principal axis factoring of the Likert-scales revealed a latent variable that was interpreted as perceived group efficiency (PGE). Multilevel modelling (MLM) yielded a positive marginal effect of PGE. Most groups in the role condition report a higher degree of PGE than nonrole groups. Content analysis of e-mail communication of all groups in both conditions (role n = 7, N = 25; nonrole n = 6, N = 26) revealed that students in role groups contribute more ‘coordination’ focussed statements. Finally, results from cross case matrices of student responses to open-ended questions support the observed marginal effect that most role groups report a higher degree of perceived group efficiency than nonrole groups

Engaging students with online discussion in a blended learning context: Issues and implications

Computer-mediated communication tools have been increasingly used to support face-to-face teaching. In this paper, we explore the motivating and inhibiting factors that affect students' participation in voluntary online discussions in a blended learning context. Students' online participation is conceptualized as a three-phase process: jumpstart online activity, promote interaction and sustain discussion. The results indicate that students' disengagements in online discussions were due to a number of reasons: their perceptions, peer influence, media preferences and the voluntary nature of the activity, to name but a few. Finally, we highlight several issues concerning students' participation in online discussion and their implications for designing meaningful and engaging online discussion in parallel to in-class teaching. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.link_to_subscribed_fulltex