Exploring CSCL environment of EU-SUPPORT social network towards self-regulated learning behaviors, sustainability behaviors and learners’ attitudes by mixed methods

Salubsri Charoenwet  salubsri@gmail.com

Sharifah Norhidah Syed Idros snsi@usm.my

University Sains Malaysia, USM, Penang 11800, Malaysia

Abstract

A student collaborative social network was established based on computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) platform of EU-SUPPORT network. The EU-SUPPORT network is a sub network under the Norwegian Environmental Education Network that focuses on schools to promote the quality of education for sustainable development. Participants were two hundred of secondary school students from Malaysia and Thailand. Students taking part in this project collaboratively worked on assigned online activities with the theme ‘Climate Change’ via web-based instructions. The development of the social network was monitored and social interaction amongst participants was examined using social network analysis (SNA) and content analysis (CA). Self-reported survey questionnaires were administered prior and after the activities in order to investigate sustainability behaviors, self-regulated learning behaviors and learners’ attitudes towards learning platform. The results indicated that the established student network was considered active with rather dense network. The discussion forum produced in the network was proven to be sustained with high average length of discussion thread. The questionnaire statistical analysis revealed that collaborative learning activities significantly increased self-regulated learning behaviors and sustainability behaviors of students participating in this social network while students showed positive attitudes towards learning environment.

Presented in the 13rd UNESCO-APEID International Conference ‘ICT Transforming Education’ November 15-17, 2009, Hangzhou, China