Collaborative Problem-Solving Learning Supported by Semantic Diagram Tool: From the View of Technology Orchestrated into Learning Activity

Abstract

Collaborative problem-solving learning (CPSL) refers to constructing knowledge and developing problem-solving abilities in the process of solving domain problems in a collaborative manner. Acting as a breakthrough of transforming traditional knowledge-centered instruction,CPSL hasreceived great attention by international researchers in education. Currently, how technology can be used to support and facilitate the process of collaborative problem-solvingremains the key research question. Therefore, our research team conducted a field study to investigate how technology can be really orchestrated into CPSL. A semantic diagram tool was integrated in primary school science class in Shanghai.This paperreports our second-round design-based research to answer two research questions: (1)How can the semantic diagram tool be integrated in classroom to support social interaction and collaborative problem solving; and (2)What are the major learning activities in the semantic diagram tool-supported CPSL. Video data collected in the whole CPSL project was analyzed using coding analysis method.The study reveals that,from technological perspective,semantic diagram tool can be combined with other technology to support the process of CPSL and,from instructional perspective, learning goal should extended and learning activities should be redesigned and refined according to the extended learning goal when semantic diagram tool is orchestrated into CPSL. Besides, the style of student activity and teacher’s role can be changed in the semantic diagram tool-supported CPSL.