Looi, Chee-Kit

Appropriate design of collaborative learning activities for students using 1:1 handheld devices can lead to peer scaffolding, building up students‟ collaborative skills. Building on such prior studies in mCSCL (mobile Computer Supported Collaborative Learning), we derived Chinese-PP, a novel design of in-class mobile synchronous collaborative learning game on constructions of Chinese characters from components, with the unique characteristic of spontaneous small group formations. In this paper, we propose a framework, namely, “SCaffold Analysis and Provision Envisioning” (SCAPE) to guide us in examining and refining/revising the interplay among various forms of scaffolding in the learning model across various Design-Based Research (DBR) cycles of our study on Chinese-PP. We believe a generalized SCAPE framework has the potential to inform TEL research in a structure to embark on the iterative process of enacting and redesigning the socio-techno-pedagogical frameworks developed by individual research projects.

WiMVT (Web-based inquirer with Modeling and Visualization Technology) is designed as a learning system combining guided inquiry, modeling and visualization with the social interaction. In the paper, we first present the design rationale of the system, briefly describe the main functions, then discuss the features supporting model progression in science learning. Following it, we describe a pilot study of WiMVT implementation in the secondary science class. The data analysis demonstrates the pedagogical value of WiMVT on students' conceptual understanding, and indicates that appropriate peer feedback can promote students’ model elaboration in the modeling activities.

In this paper, we articulate a framework (called AppleTree) for assessing collaborative argumentation with the purpose of evaluating and empowering the development of argumentation skills, collaboration skills and content knowledge in school learning. The framework is motivated by the need to achieve “learning to argue” and “arguing to learn” and the necessity to embed on-going and automated formative assessments for collaborative learning as reflected in existing literature. It builds on existing systems for collaborative argumentation and automated assessment of collaborative learning to achieve assessment for learning and to realize it in authentic classroom environments. We illustrate the framework by instantiating it in the conceptual design of one such system for use in schools.

Students’ perceptions of collaboration and satisfaction are key factors that affects students’ dropout behavior. In this study, an online collaborative learning approach which integrated intra-group and inter-group discussions was proposed. Through questionnaire survey and interview, this study explores Chinese undergraduate students’ perceptions of collaboration and satisfaction in an online collaborative learning activity. The results showed that students took a positive attitude to the process of collaboration and were satisfied with the online learning activities. Finally, some suggestions about design and implement online collaborative learning activity were proposed.

We describe one cycle of design-based research (DBR) in which we explore mCSCL through an iterative process of (re)designing and testing the learning approach with students. The mCSCL application assigns each student a component of a Chinese character and requires them to spontaneously form groups that can assemble a Chinese character. We observe the enactment of the learning design in two modes (with and without the ICT), and found the students favor the card mode over the phone mode due to their emergent trial-anderror strategy. That triggered us to examine the scaffolding strategies by exploring domain oriented theories to inform us in deciding how we should accommodate their use of the strategy. This cycle of DBR has reshaped our learning design. This paper brings to the fore the value of the interplay of theories, implementations and reflections as advocated by DBR.

The WiMVT system is a web-based science learning environment for secondary school students. In this paper, we describe the theoretical underpinnings that guided the design of WiMVT framework, the components and core features as well as the work flow of WiMVT. We elucidate our development process that supports the development of the system. To examine the functional usability and evaluate its impact on students’ learning, a pilot study was conducted to show the findings with implications for how to improve the functionalities of the existing, briefly present the learning outcomes of lessons with the system, and provide feedback to the researchers, designers and teachers.

As earlier studies highlighted the importance of teachers’ preparedness to develop computational thinking (CT) for students in school education, this study aims to explore the teaching areas involved in the mathematics teachers’ preparedness to integrate CT in classrooms, as well as to investigate the considerations for effective training or professional development activities to prepare mathematics teachers in teaching CT. A total of 16 journal articles from 2015 to 2020 were reviewed in this study. The findings indicated that not all the teaching areas (i.e. classroom management, teaching methods, subject knowledge, technology, planned curriculum, assessing students, and choosing teaching materials) were involved in the teachers’ preparedness for each study. Several considerations for effective training or professional development had been proposed. The results can be utilized to inform initial teacher education plans and ongoing professional development opportunities to better prepare the teacher to teach CT in the mathematics classrooms.