A Comparison of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Forms in Terms of Interaction and Peer Trust

Abstract

Previous research on collaborative learning has predominantly examined single collaborative forms and focused more on cognitive processes than on social and emotional dimensions. This study compared three forms of collaborative learning, namely group work, forums, and peer tutoring, in terms of their effects on students’ ratings of interaction and peer trust. The results indicate that group work received the highest overall interaction ratings. Peer tutoring ranked second in cognitive interaction, whereas forums ranked second in social interaction. Regarding peer trust, group work achieved the highest ratings for goodwill trust, while forums received the lowest ratings. The findings disclose implications for data-driven learner modelling for collaborative learning. Tracking changes in students’ social interaction ratings tends to be important in peer tutoring contexts, and differences among the three collaborative learning forms could inform the use of interactional indicators in predicting pair-level trust.