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Supporting Collaborative Interaction Among Learners Using Collaborative Learning System InCircle

Authors:
Noriko Uosaki
Takahiro Yonekawa
Chengjiu Yin

Keywords: collaborative learning; InCircle; international students; international exchange subject; student-centered learning

Abstract:
This paper describes the development and the evaluation of a collaborative communication system called InCircle. One notable trend in the pedagogical field is a shift from a teacher-centered learning to a student-centered one. Recent advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has accelerated the shift. The spread of various mobile applications for educational use has enabled us to share information and knowledge in real time. In order to promote student-centered learning, it is necessary to facilitate interaction among learners. For these purposes, InCircle was introduced in a university level language and culture class in Japan. The objectives of our research study were to examine whether InCircle contributes to the facilitation of interaction among learners and the enhancement of mutual cross-cultural understanding. The evaluation was conducted in an international exchange subject where international students and Japanese students learn about the language and culture at university in Japan. The result of the questionnaire showed the learners' preference to InCircle as opposed to the blog comment function. It also endorsed its usability and effectiveness as a communication tool.

Pages: 1 to 6

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2018

Publication date: June 24, 2018

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4227

ISBN: 978-1-61208-645-3

Location: Venice, Italy

Dates: from June 24, 2018 to June 28, 2018