Developmental Research of a Collaborative Learning Support Tool

This study used a developmental research method to systematically apply knowledge building and software design principles and scaffolding strategies to support the learners complex problem-solving process in a collaborative online learning tool. The purpose of developing the tool was to investigate how a scaffolding strategy based on a knowledge building framework could be used to induce productive interactions in sharing activities required different types of knowledge and skills. Development data were collected from six phases using both formative and summative evaluation methods. The final prototype can effectively promote learner interaction, from convergence and divergence to reflective interactions, as required in a collaborative problem-solving process. This study suggests the importance of applying a systematic methodological approach with a theoretical framework for developing collaborative learning support tools.