Collaborative Research Learning Network Supported Platforms, "the Development And Practice

At present, the concept of web-based cooperative research learning has been accepted by more and more people. Web-based cooperative research learning programs are carried out by teachers and students in all levels of school, college and university. However, there are also some problems remained in the progress. First, the majority has been the conceptual studies, only a few results with convincing data have been published. In addition, some studies have showed that there was no difference between traditional instruction and online learning in terms of Standard Achievement Test. Although it is too early to evaluate long-term effects of information technology in education, and there maybe some significant distinctions in other aspects between two modes of teaching and learning could be approved in the future, what we need is the evidence. At the same time, there is a problem with high dropout rates in online learning. We think that the only way to solve the above difficulties is further efforts in explorative practices and experimental studies. So after literature survey, I have developed a special web-based platform named "web-based platform for supporting of cooperative research learning" and conducted a pilot program of cooperative research learning with the platform. Based on the analysis of the data collected from the experimental program, I have discussed and drew out several influencing factors on the effects of technology-mediated communications in web-based cooperative research learning.