Collaborative learning in technology-supported environments: two cases of project-enhanced science learning
by Paivi Hakkinen
International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (IJCEELL), Vol. 11, No. 4/5/6, 2001

Abstract: The aim of this study is to analyse and describe two different computer-supported science-learning projects in Finnish elementary and secondary education. The two projects differ by the degree of task structuring and by the ways in which the learning environments attempt to support sharing of cognitive achievements and interaction between different project participants. The aim of this paper is to discuss some of the essential elements promoting or restricting successful project-based learning in the light of these two projects. The subjects of the study are students working in small groups in authentic classroom contexts; groups of two primary school students and four secondary school students were chosen for an intensive follow-up analysis. The results indicate a need to support a more reflective and deeper level of discussion by encouraging collaboration during project work. At the end of this article, some suggestions for enhancing learning with understanding in advanced technology-supported environments are made in terms of pedagogical and contextual solutions.

Online publication date: Wed, 16-Jul-2003

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (IJCEELL):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com