The Role Of Different Types Of Collaborative Tasks And Semantic Tool In Cognitive Development In CSCL Environment

Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) is a major branch in Learning Sciences and has attracted great attention of researchers in the field of Educational Technology. In the setting of CSCL, type of collaborative task is the key factor which influences collaborative learning. Different types of tasks would have various impacts on the patterns of collaborative learners’ interaction, cooperation, thinking and cognitive development. It seems necessary to design collaborative tasks in accordance with learner’s characteristics and learning content. Moreover, the research and application of CSCL also focuses on the development of technologies and how to apply technology into collaborative learning to enhance the knowledge construction, support collaborative behavior, facilitate the cognitive development and ultimately help the learner to achieve a better learning performance or quality.Based on social constructivism theory and cognitive load theory, the current study conducted an empirical research. In the study, three types of collaborative learning tasks had been designed which included collaborative concept learning task, collaborative problem-solving task and collaborative design task. Test group and control group were set up to examine the effect of the use of semantic tool on cognitive development. Through content analysis of online discussion records, we investigated the process of meaning construction in collaborative learning and discussed the different effect of task type and semantic tool on group cognitive development from aspects of collaborative interactive behavior, levels of knowledge construction and collaborative cognition.The results indicate that unlike concept learning task which is based on facts, collaborative design task and collaborative problem-solving task would trigger more divergence and conflict, and in the process of constant explicitation, negotiation, consensus reaching and knowledge co-construction, new ideas and knowledge are generated which promote cognitive development. However, correlation between the use of semantic tool and different group cognitive development has not been found.