Hsu, Carol

carolhsu@ntu.edu.tw

Group Interaction and the Learning Process through Computer Conferencing

(2002)

Over the past two decades, the advent of information and communication technologies has facilitated the development of distance education. This research is interested in collaborative learning through computer conferencing in a context of distance education.

The key research focus is to understand the learning process through group interaction via computer conferencing. In order to achieve this, the author proposes three levels of analysis: structure, participation and interaction analysis. Structure analysis is to examine how well the collaborative environment is established at the beginning. The second level is to look at the overall level and intensity of participation. Finally, interaction analysis is used to investigate the interpersonal dimension of a collaborative learning group's interaction over a period of time.

Through these three levels of analysis with the use of semi-structured questionnaires, computer-generated statistics and content analysis, this research will provide a greater understanding of the learning process evolved through computer conferencing.

Supervisor: James Backhouse, PhD

Carol Hsu's personal home page.

Carol Hsu is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Information Management at the National Taiwan University in Taipai

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