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Collaborative Knowledge Construction Using Concept Maps for Cross-cultural Communication

Authors:
Takahito Tomoto
Takako Akakura
Satoko Sugie
Yuri Nishihori
Keizo Nagaoka

Keywords: CSCL; concept map; collaborative knowledge construction; cross-cultural communication

Abstract:
This paper reports on the results of experiments with our concept map tool developed for collaborative knowledge construction in cross-cultural communication. The purpose of this study is to contribute toward the improvement of synchronous-interactive (real time-two way) international distance education, which we believe will significantly develop within our globalizing educational field. Collaborative knowledge construction is the process in which all the participants in a learner community can equally integrate and share their knowledge. For this purpose, it is essential for them to understand the other members’ recognition as well as their contributions. Visualization of these reactions is vital for successful knowledge construction. In cross-cultural communication in particular, it is of great importance to be able to visualize them since the perception of participants tends to be limited. Our concept map tool has been developed in order to visualize recognition and contribution for successful collaborative knowledge construction. The results of our four experiments indicate that our tool is (i) useful for sharing the knowledge of each participant, (ii) useful for visualizing the knowledge and contribution of each participant within the discussion in order to construct collaborative knowledge, and (iii) more effective than other traditional tools, such as chat, for cross-cultural communication.

Pages: 180 to 186

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2011

Publication date: November 20, 2011

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4278

ISBN: 978-1-61208-171-7

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: from November 20, 2011 to November 25, 2011