Abstract

CASTELLANOS RAMIREZ, Juan Carlos  and  NINO, Shamaly Alhelí. Collaborative learning and phases of shared knowledge construction in asynchronous communication environments. Innov. educ. (Méx. DF) [online]. 2018, vol.18, n.76, pp.69-88. ISSN 1665-2673.

This paper explores the processes of the shared construction of knowledge developed by small groups of students in technological environments with asynchronous communication. A qualitative multiple case study was carried out with the participation of three groups of university students in an online bachelor’s degree program. The analysis process consisted of identifying socio-cognitive chains within the asynchronous interaction of students and classifying them into four phases of knowledge construction: i) understanding/ organization of the task, ii) synthesis and final agreements, iii) creation of meaning/proposals, and iv) exchange of information/initial ideas. The results revealed that the groups of students were more interested in the organization of the task and exchange of information, and less interested in the creation of meanings inherent to the task. Furthermore, we identified four group interaction patterns stemming from the participation and profundity of the dialogue established by the students during the task. We conclude that groups of students have difficulty simultaneously sustaining high levels of participation and deep dialogue about the contents of the task, and they often lack the abilities to explain and argue their ideas. Finally, we present some proposals for intervention by the professor and the improvement of collaborative processes by the students.

Keywords : Collaborative learning; construction of knowledge; distance learning in higher education; group learning; virtual learning.

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