Despite growing use of computer-based communication tools, and interest in their impact on language use, shared workspace tools are not being used regularly, to support text-based teaching and learning, in mainstream higher education. Such tools support interaction with learning material and with people, both of which can help learning. However, neither the design requirements nor the benefits of using shared workspace tools, in text-based disciplines, have been established. Both were investigated. The starting point was the need to support teachers' work. There is insufficient information in the CSCW literature about tasks, communication needs and the effects of using a shared workspace in text-based classes. Participatory methods and prototyping were considered to suit the problem, the technology, the kind of application and the potential users. Observation and document study were combined with focus groups, interviews and questionnaires, to study the use of two prototype shared workspace tools, in a programme of extended field trials. Initial studies, with co-located classes, investigated learning activities around shared, printed materials and suggested similarities across subject boundaries. Field trials were conducted, in distributed foreign language classes, using a prototype desktop multimedia conferencing system. The main aim was to establish design requirements to support teaching and learning tasks. A two-year study, in undergraduate Russian classes, aimed to deepen understanding of how a shared workspace tool could contribute to teaching and learning. The need for flexible control mechanisms and support for awareness and reference were confirmed. To support the range of tasks observed in face-to-face classes, flexible re-structuring of text objects and hiding, as well as sharing, of objects, are needed Promoting active student participation and supporting teacher management of space are requirements particular to this application area. The shared workspace tool excited teachers, who explored its use ...
A shared workspace for text-based teaching and learning: Design requirements and pedagogical benefits
2002-01-01
Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London).
Theses
Electronic Resource
English
DDC: | 629 |
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