Using social web tools for knowledge construction

This paper examines knowledge construction in a distributed learning environment supported by social web tools. Research data was gathered from online asynchronous discussions in a first-year masters degree course in multimedia in education. Our analysis was modelled on Gunawardena et al.'s (1997) study and results indicate that, despite a significant percentage in the phase of sharing and comparing information, interaction at the highest levels of knowledge construction is relevant and suggests that knowledge was constructed.

[1]  Oecd Indicators.  Education at a Glance 2007 , 2007 .

[2]  Judith B. Pena-Shaff,et al.  Analyzing student interactions and meaning construction in computer bulletin board discussions , 2004, Comput. Educ..

[3]  F. Fischer,et al.  A framework to analyze argumentative knowledge construction in computer-supported collaborative learning , 2006, Comput. Educ..

[4]  Trena M. Paulus.  CMC Modes for Learning Tasks at a Distance , 2007, J. Comput. Mediat. Commun..

[5]  Rose M. Marra,et al.  Content analysis of online discussion forums: A comparative analysis of protocols , 2004 .

[6]  Sharman Lichtenstein,et al.  Wikipedia model for collective intelligence: a review of information quality , 2009, Int. J. Knowl. Learn..

[7]  Gerry Stahl,et al.  Group Cognition: Computer Support for Building Collaborative Knowledge (Acting with Technology) , 2006 .

[8]  Miltiadis D. Lytras,et al.  A modelling approach to study learning processes with a focus on knowledge creation , 2008 .

[9]  Ernst von Glasersfeld,et al.  A Constructivist Approach to Teaching , 2012 .

[10]  E. Zhu.  Meaning Negotiation, Knowledge Construction, and Mentoring in a Distance Learning Course , 1996 .

[11]  D. Garrison,et al.  Methodological Issues in the Content Analysis of Computer Conference Transcripts , 2007 .

[12]  Lev Vygotsky.  Mind in society , 1978 .

[13]  António Moreira,et al.  Bridging Formal and Informal Learning - A Case Study on Students' Perceptions of the Use of Social Networking Tools , 2009, EC-TEL.

[14]  Matthias Jarke,et al.  The future of e-learning: a shift to knowledge networking and social software , 2007, Int. J. Knowl. Learn..

[15]  Tammy Schellens,et al.  Collaborative learning in asynchronous discussion groups: What about the impact on cognitive processing? , 2005, Comput. Hum. Behav..

[16]  Marlene Scardamalia,et al.  Computer Support for Knowledge-Building Communities , 1994 .

[17]  D. Garrison,et al.  Critical thinking, cognitive presence, and computer conferencing in distance education , 2001 .

[18]  Laura E. Rumbley,et al.  Trends in Global Higher Education: Tracking an Academic Revolution: A Report Prepared for the UNESCO 2009 World Conference on Higher Education , 2010 .

[19]  D. Perkins.  Person plus: A distributed view of thinking and learning , 1994 .

[20]  Patrick J. Fahy,et al.  The Development and Testing of a Tool for Analysis of Computer-Mediated Conferencing Transcripts , 2000 .

[21]  Yao-Ting Sung,et al.  Using blogs as a professional development tool for teachers: analysis of interaction behavioral patterns , 2009, Interact. Learn. Environ..

[22]  S. Tan,et al.  Professional Development of Teachers for Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning: A Knowledge-Building Approach , 2009, Teachers College Record: The Voice of Scholarship in Education.

[23]  D. Newman,et al.  A Content Analysis Method to Measure Critical Thinking in Face-to-Face and Computer Supported Group Learning , 1995 .

[24]  Qiyun Wang,et al.  Investigating critical thinking and knowledge construction in an interactive learning environment , 2009, Interact. Learn. Environ..

[25]  M. Chi.  Quantifying Qualitative Analyses of Verbal Data: A Practical Guide , 1997 .

[26]  Charlotte N. Gunawardena,et al.  Analysis of a Global Online Debate and the Development of an Interaction Analysis Model for Examining Social Construction of Knowledge in Computer Conferencing , 1997 .

[27]  Elizabeth Murphy,et al.  Recognising and promoting collaboration in an online asynchronous discussion , 2004, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[28]  Tim O'Reilly,et al.  What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software , 2007 .

[29]  M. Valcke,et al.  Discussing Patient Management Online: The Impact of Roles on Knowledge Construction for Students Interning at the Paediatric Ward , 2008, Advances in health sciences education : theory and practice.

[30]  David H. Jonassen,et al.  Constructivism and computer‐mediated communication in distance education , 1995 .

[31]  Jerry Andriessen,et al.  Collaborative learning through computer-mediated argumentation , 1999, CSCL.

[32]  A. E. Veldhuis-Diermanse,et al.  Collaborative learning through computer-mediated communication in academic education , 2001 .

[33]  Tammy Schellens,et al.  Structuring asynchronous discussion groups: the impact of role assignment and self-assessment on students' levels of knowledge construction through social negotiation , 2009, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..