Home PublicationsJRTEPast IssuesVolume 34 Number 4

	Edited by Dr. David J. Ayersman, Mary Washington College, and Dr. W. Michael Reed, New York University Incoming editor: Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Georgia
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

Volume 34 Number 4 Summer 2002

Exploration of Collaborative Learning and Communication in an Educational Environment Using Computer-Mediated Communication
Qing Li
University of Calgary, Canada

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between the language functions associated with messages generated through computer-mediated communication (CMC) and the collaborative learning process. In addition, the study explores the extent to which people interact in CMC environments. A total of 413 electronic messages generated by students in a fifth- and sixth-grade classroom regarding their mathematics and science coursework were analyzed. Research results show that students actively participated in collaborative learning in the context of CMC. The analysis of the data also indicates that two language functions (presenting opinion and expressing disbelief) appeared more frequently in intermediate messages than in single messages. Moreover, “asking information” occurred more often in initial messages than in either finishing messages or intermediate messages.

Contributors
Qing Li is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary.

Download the full article (PDF, 72 KB, PDF Instructions)

Contact
Qing Li
GDER/Faculty of Education
University of Calgary
2500 University Dr. NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Canada
qinli@ucalgary.ca

Copyright © 2002, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.