Group formation is a critical factor which influences collaborative processes and performances in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Automatic grouping has been widely used to generate groups with heterogeneous attributes and to maximize the diversity of students' characteristics within a group. But there are two dominant challenges…

The first article is a literature review that analyzed 32 articles on computer-assisted L2 Chinese learning in higher education from 2005-2021. Findings revealed current trends, such as mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) and the use of Web 2.0 technologies, and the importance of speaking as the most researched language skill. Most studies…

Learning involves more than just a small group of participants, which makes designing and managing collaborative learning processes in higher education a challenging task. As a result, emerging concerns in current research have pointed increasingly to teacher orchestrated learning processes in naturalistic learning settings. In line with this…

This volume represents the first collection of empirical studies focusing on peer interaction for L2 learning. These studies aim to unveil the impact of mediating variables such as task type, mode of interaction, and social relationships on learners' interactional behaviors and language development in this unique and pedagogically powerful…

Two graduate student groups (n=7 and n=6) used both computerized groups support systems and traditional methods to complete collaborative tasks. The progress and stages of development of one group was erratic, whereas the other evolved into a high-performance group. Technology reduced some group conflict but had little impact on group development.…

This study investigates the quality and nature of virtual interaction in a higher education context. The study aims to find out variables that mediate virtual interaction, particularly the emerging processes of sharing and constructing perspectives in web-based conferencing. The purpose of this paper is to report the results on different levels of…

Describes the use of a computer conferencing program, Confer II, in freshman college composition classes. Benefits discussed include the opportunity to expand classroom discussions; promotion of interactions between students, both class-related and purely social; and exploration of the link between conversation and expressive writing. (five…

Investigates how leadership dynamics of the computer-supported group work of student project teams contributed to the teams' choices and uses of technology. Finds that powerful individuals--experts and advocates--determined how the groups used technology to support their group writing. (RS)

Discussion of computer conferencing as a collaborative learning strategy and a group-oriented decision-making process highlights a study of undergraduates at the University of Delaware who participated in a computer conference. Technical responsibilities, strategy development, debate advancement, and user temperament are examined; and the value of…

This study examined students' attitudes towards the use of computer technology in composition instruction. Subjects were 122 college juniors and seniors enrolled in seven sections of a technical writing course. Students received either 10 weeks of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in a computer environment, 5 weeks of CAI in a computer…

Business students (n=22) who completed writing assignments in face-to-face collaborations were compared to those (n=40) using group support systems software. Posttest performance was significantly higher for both groups. Software users had significantly higher performance on the content and organization components of writing. (SK)

Investigates the instructional benefits of using a Group Decision Support System (GDSS), i.e., a computer-based system implemented on a local area network for assisting a group with communication, decision making, and negotiating. An experiment using a GDSS in a graduate seminar class at the University of Mississippi is described. (31 references)…

A study investigated communication patterns among undergraduate student groups using email for instructional discussion at the University of Minnesota. A sample of three 6-person groups was studied over a 7-week period, during which the groups were given three topics to discuss sequentially for instructional purposes. Students used email outside…

Presents an experimental study conducted at the University of Twente (Netherlands) that investigated the learning effectiveness of concept mapping for computer-supported collaborative problem solving. Highlights include group interaction; shared cognition; knowledge acquisition; learning effectiveness; retention; creativity; and distributed…

Describes SIDE-VIEW, a computer-supported collaborative learning environment, and evaluates its effects in relation to the productivity of CSCL (computer-supported collaborative learning) groups. Discusses social identity and group behavior and reports on a field trial on international groups of higher education students, contrasting the role of…