ERIC Number: EJ1452014
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Dec
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-1629
EISSN: EISSN-1556-6501
The Use of Distance-Shortening Strategies to Enhance Opportunistic Collaboration in Knowledge-Building Environments
Yujie Chen; Yibing Zhang
Educational Technology Research and Development, v72 n6 p3159-3184 2024
Carrying out opportunistic collaboration, a method of flexible collaboration centering around ideas and free collaboration structures, is important in knowledge creation organizations, especially for knowledge-building community formation. However, fixed-group collaboration is still widely employed in educational practice, hindering the development of students' knowledge creation activities. In this design-based study, we created and applied distance-shortening strategies, which are strategies for shortening students' physical distance and idea distance, to support their opportunistic collaboration. The participants were 24 master's degree students who took a required one-semester course titled Learning Sciences in Knowledge-Building Environments that included online and offline activities. Data included (1) records of students' online activities; (2) video clips of students' offline activities; and (3) the content of students' online notes. Social network analysis, video analysis and content analysis were applied. The findings revealed that with distance-shortening strategies for constructing community knowledge and collective responsibility, the students were able to overcome the barriers of a fixed group and engage in opportunistic collaboration. Implications for principle-based and design-oriented knowledge-building activities and approaches to fostering knowledge creation are discussed.
Descriptors: Cooperative Learning, Learning Activities, Distance Education, Proximity, Masters Programs, Graduate Students, Educational Environment, Computer Mediated Communication, Educational Opportunities
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A