Exploring student interactions in collaborative World Wide Web learning environments

Oliver, R., Omari, A. and Herrington, J. (1997) Exploring student interactions in collaborative World Wide Web learning environments. In: World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Educational Telecommunications (ED-MEDIA/ED-TELECOM) 1997, 14 - 19 June 1997, Calgary, Canada.

Abstract

This paper describes a study in which a WWW learning environment was created using socio-constructivist instructional design principles. A qualitative research method was used to investigate the learning behaviours of classroom-based students in this instructional setting. In particular the study sought to investigate collaborative learner behaviours in settings where the instructional materials involved open-ended investigations and learner support by means of a printed guide. Observations of student behaviours provided little to confirm our contentions that such environments will create an instructional setting which encourages cooperation, reflection and articulation among students.