Constructing a cooperative distance learning system: The CORAL experience

  • Chien Chou
  • Chuen-Tsai Sun
Development

Abstract

This article focuses on the Cooperative Remotely Accessible Learning (CORAL) system to promote cooperative constructive distance learning currently under development at National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan. The CORAL system is a collective and collaborative project intended to integrate four major components in concept and construction: an interactive learning environment, educational foundations and implications, domain knowledge, and research efforts. The CORAL system provides the first comprehensive and networked courseware written in Chinese. The development process of CORAL including analysis, design, development, and evaluation is reported. Research issues are also addressed.

Keywords

Development Process Learning Environment Research Effort Educational Technology Domain Knowledge 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Albanese, M.A. & Mitchell, S. (1993). Problem-based learning: A review of literature on its outcomes and implementation issues,Academic Medicine, 68(1), 52–81.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  2. Chou, C. (1995).The use of heuristics evaluation method in networked CAL interface Development. Paper presented at Asian Association of Open Universities IX Annual Conference. December 3–5, 1995. Taipei, Taiwan.Google Scholar
  3. Chou, C. (1996). A computer logging method for collecting user-reported inputs during formative evaluation of computer network-assisted distance learning.Proceedings of ED-Media 96 World Conference on Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia (pp, 148–153). Boston, MA.Google Scholar
  4. Dick, W. & Carey, L. (1990).The systematic design of instruction (3rd ed.). Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Company.Google Scholar
  5. Dillenbourg, P., & Schneider, D. (1995). Collaborative learning and the internet.Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Computer Assisted Instruction (pp. S-10-6-S10-13), Hsinchu, Taiwan.Google Scholar
  6. Fulk, J., Steinfield, C.W., Schmitz, J., & Power, J.G. (1987). A social information processing model of media use in organizations.Communication Research, 14(5), 529–552.Google Scholar
  7. Garland, K.P. (1995). Diffusion and adoption of instructional technology. In G.J. Anglin (Ed.)Instructional Technology (pp. 282–287). Englewood, CO.: Libraries Unlimited.Google Scholar
  8. Garrison, D.R. (1989).Understanding distance education. London: Routledge.Google Scholar
  9. Garrison, D.R. (1990). Communications technology. In D.R. Garrison & D. Shale (Eds.).Education at a distance: From issues to practice. Malabar, FL: Robert E. Krieger.Google Scholar
  10. Gould, J.D. (1987). How to design usable system. In H.J. Bulligner, & B. Shackel (Eds.).Human-computer interaction—INTERACT'87 (pp. xxv-xxxix). North-Holland: Elsevier Science Publishers B. V.Google Scholar
  11. Gunawardena, C.N. (1992). Changing faculty roles for audiographics and online teaching.The American Journal of Distance Education, 6(3), 58–71.Google Scholar
  12. Hillman, D.C., Willis, D.J., & Gunawardena, C.N. (1994). Learner-interface interaction in distance education: An extension of contemporary models and strategies for practitioners.The American Journal of Distance Education, 8(2), 30–42.Google Scholar
  13. Hiltz, S.R. (1994).The virtual classroom: Learning without limits via computer networks. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.Google Scholar
  14. Hirumi, A., Savenye, W., & Allen, B. (1994). Designing interactive videodisc-based museum exhibits: A case study.Educational Technology Research and Development, 42(1), 47–55.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  15. Holden, M.C., & Wedman, J.F. (1993). Future issues of computer-mediated communication: The results of a delphi study.Educational Technology Research and Development, 41(1), 5–24.Google Scholar
  16. Hooper, S. (1992). Cooperative learning and computer-based instruction.Educational Technology Research and Development, 40(3), 21–38.Google Scholar
  17. Hooper, S., & Hannafin, M.J. (1988). Cooperative CBI: The effects of heterogeneous versus homogeneous grouping on the learning of progressively complex concepts.Journal of Educational Computing Research, 4, 413–424.Google Scholar
  18. Jeffries, R., & Desurvire, H. (1992). Usability testing vs. heuristic evaluation: Was there a contest?SIGGHI BULLETIN, 24(4), 39–41.Google Scholar
  19. Johnson, D.W., & Johnson, R.T. (1987).Learning together and alone (2nd ed.). Englewood, Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.Google Scholar
  20. Johnson, D.W., Johnson, R.T., & Holubec, E.J. (1986).Circles of learning: Cooperation in the classroom. Edina, MN: Interaction Book Company.Google Scholar
  21. Johnson, R.T., Johnson, D.W., & Stanne, M.B. (1985). Effects of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures on computer-assisted instruction.Journal of Educational Psychology, 77, 668–677.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  22. Jonassen, D., Davidson, M., Collins, M., Campbell, J. & Haag, B.B. (1995). Constructivism and computer-mediated communication in distance education.The American Journal of Distance Education, 9(2), 7–26.Google Scholar
  23. Keegan, D. (1990).Foundations of distance education. London: Routledge.Google Scholar
  24. Kronbort, D., & Macleod, M. (1990). Monitoring and analysis of hypermedia navigation. In D. Diaper et al. (Eds),Human-Computer Interaction—INTERACT' 90 (pp. 401–406). North-Holland: Elsevier Science Publishers B. V.Google Scholar
  25. Lebow, D. (1993). Constructivist values for instructional systems design: Five principles toward a new mindset.Educational Technology Research and Development, 41(3), 4–16.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  26. Molich, R., & Nielsen, J. (1990). Improving a human-computer dialogue.Communications of the ACM 33(3), 338–348.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  27. Moore, M.G. (1989). Three types of interaction.The American Journal of Distance Education, 3(2), 1–6.Google Scholar
  28. Nielsen, J. (1992). Finding usability problems through heuristic evaluation.Proceedings of ACM CHI'92 Conference, Monterey, 373–380.Google Scholar
  29. Nielsen, J. (1993).Usability engineering. Boston: Academic Press.Google Scholar
  30. Nielsen, J. (1994a). Enhancing the explanatory power of usability heuristics.Proceedings of ACM CHI'94 Conference, Boston, MA.Google Scholar
  31. Nielsen, J. (1994b). Heuristic evaluation. In J. Nielsen & R.L. Mack (Eds.),Usability inspection methods (pp. 25–62). NY: John Wiley & Sons.Google Scholar
  32. Nipper, S. (1989). Third generation distance learning and computer conferencing. In R. Mason & A. Kaye (Eds.),Mindweave: Communication, computers and distance education (pp. 63–73). NY: Pergamon Press.Google Scholar
  33. Peters, O. (1993). Distance education in a post-industrial society. In D. Keegan (Ed.),Theoretical principles of distance education (pp. 39–58). London: Routledge.Google Scholar
  34. Reigeluth, C.M., & Stein, F.S. (1983). The elaboration theory of instruction. In C.M. Reigeluth (Ed.),Instructional design theories and models: An overview of their current status (pp. 335–382). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.Google Scholar
  35. Reiser, R.A., & Kegelmann, H.W. (1994). Evaluating instructional software: A review and critique of current methods.Educational Technology Research and Development, 42(3), 63–69.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  36. Seaton, W.J. (1993). Computer mediated communication and student self-directed learning.Open Learning, 8(2). 49–54.Google Scholar
  37. Shneiderman, B., & Kearsley, G. (1989).Hypertext hands-on! An introduction to a new way of organizing and accessing information. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.Google Scholar
  38. Stahl, G. Sumner, T., & Owen, R. (1995). Share globally, adapt locally: Software assistance to locate and tailor curriculum posted to the internet.Computers & Education, 24(3), 237–246.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  39. Stepien, W., & Gallagher, S.A. (1993). Problem-based learning: As authentic as it gets.Educational Science, 22(4), 317–333.Google Scholar
  40. Sun, C.T., Ching, Y.T., & Lin, F.X. (1995). Modeling hypermedia navigation: An AI approach.Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education, 365–372.Google Scholar
  41. Sun, C.T., & Ching, Y.T. (1995). Hypermedia browsing pattern analysis.International Journal of Educational Telecommunications 1(2/3), 293–308.Google Scholar
  42. Sweeney, M., Maguire, M., & Shackel, B. (1993). Evaluating user-computer interaction: A framework.International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 38, 689–711.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  43. Thach, L., & Murphy, K.L. (1994). Collaboration in distance education: from local to international perspectives.The American Journal of Distance Education, 8(3), 5–21.Google Scholar
  44. Tsai, I.F., Wang, D.L., Yuan, S.M. & Jan, R.H. (in press). Intelligent computer assisted instruction in a distant cooperative learning environment.International Journal of Educational Telecommunications.Google Scholar
  45. Vernon, D.T.A., & Blake, R.L. (1993). Does problem-based learning work? A meta-analysis of evaluation research.Academic Medicine, 68(7), 550–563.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  46. Watabe, K., Hamalainen, M., & Whinston, A.B. (1995). An internet based collaborative distance learning system: Codiless.Computers & Education, 24(3), 141–155.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  47. Yakimovicz, A.D., & Murphy, K.L. (1995). Constructivism and collaboration on the internet: Case study of a graduate class experience.Computers & Education, 24(3), 203–209.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

Copyright information

© Association for Educational Communications and Technology 1996

Authors and Affiliations

  • Chien Chou
    • 1
  • Chuen-Tsai Sun
    • 2
  1. 1.the Institute of Communication StudiesNational Chiao Tung University in HsinchuTaiwan
  2. 2.the Department of Computer and Information ScienceNational Chiao Tung University in HsinchuTaiwan

Personalised recommendations