Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning: Factors Affecting Students’ Participation and Interaction in a Knowledge Building Environment

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the key factors and barriers that impact the learners' participation and interaction and in the Knowledge Forum environment. Moreover, this study was performed in one of the public universities in Malaysia. A quantitative and qualitative research approach through a questionnaire and interview were used. A total of 28 participants were surveyed using the questionnaire. A 40-items questionnaire was developed based on a review of previous literature. Descriptive statistics were adopted for data collection analysis. Thus, the results indicated the most important factors that affected learners’ participation in Knowledge Forum: (a) classmates’ behaviors, (b) discussions needs, (c) learners’ characteristics, (d) restriction on the ongoing discussion, (e) deficiency of ideas, (f) ideas’ level (g) knowledge building level, (h) issues of technical, (i) limited time and (j) misunderstanding. Consequently, the results can enable higher education institutions to take the required steps to encourage successful activities of knowledge-building in computer-assisted learning. Many recommendations have been suggested to improve learners’ engagement and interaction in the knowledge forums environments.