Collaborative Learning of Computer Applications in the Contexts of Work, Learning, and Play

  • Authors:
  • D. Michelle Hinn;X. Christine Wang;Michael B. Twidale

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;State University of New York at Buffalo;University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Venue:
  • ICALT '04 Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies
  • Year:
  • 2004

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

The similarities among three independent studies, conducted by the authors, of informal learning in computer-supported collaboration in three different contexts are presented: (1) university undergraduates playing multiplayer videogames; (2) elementary school children playing "edutainment games" on a classroom computer during free choice time; and (3) adult computer users offering informal help-giving in a variety of workplace scenarios. These studies indicate that users often interacted in unexpected ways. Additionally, collaboration was both enabled and constrained by the participantsý task and social goals. Issues such as the blurred distinction between play, work, and learning and design implications are discussed.