Title: Extending a rich web-based cognitive tool to a mobile computer-supported collaborative learning environment

Authors: Sau-Yin Lam, Siu-Cheung Kong, Lam-For Kwok

Addresses: Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR. ' Department of Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences and Technology, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong, SAR. ' Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR

Abstract: A web-based cognitive tool was previously built for learners to help them comprehend the procedural knowledge of fraction addition and subtraction with unlike denominators. A series of experiments was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the web-based cognitive tool in assisting learners to understand the concept of fractions. In this study, we attempt to extend this rich web-based cognitive tool to a collaborative environment that allows learners to interact with each other and co-construct a procedural knowledge of fraction addition with unlike denominators by using the cognitive tool on a mobile platform. We introduce the web-based cognitive tool, describe its features on the mobile platform, illustrate how it can support collaborative interaction in a designed learning activity, and describe a scenario of using the mobile computer-supported cognitive tool to attain new procedural knowledge of fraction addition.

Keywords: computer-supported collaborative learning; CSCL; mobile learning; m-learning; fraction learning; collaborative interactions; web-based cognitive tools; rich internet applications; fraction addition; fraction subtraction; e-learning; online learning; mobile communications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2006.009201

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2006 Vol.16 No.3/4, pp.238 - 254

Published online: 09 Mar 2006 *

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