Students’ Perceptions on Problem Solving with Collaborative Computer Simulation

Abstract

With the development of Web technology, a number of collaborative computer simulations are designed to support collaborative problem solving activities. However, studies show that some students often failed to collaboratively solve a problem with collaborative computer simulation. Little research has so far been done to explore the factors why students failed to solve problems with collaboratively computer simulation. The study designed a problem solving activity with collaborative computer simulation and attempted to identify the key factors to a successful learning task by analyzing students’ perceptions on collaborative problem solving. The implication indicated that, with collaborative computer simulation, communication, coordination, mutual support, and effort may be the key factors to solve the problem.