SYWIKOL

Synchronicity in knowledge-based cooperative learning

Advances in information and communication technology and the penetration of society with digital, interactive and network-based media raise the question anew of how knowledge can be communicated. The now completed DFG project SYWIKOL ("Synchronicity in Knowledge-Based Cooperative Learning") at the University of Koblenz-Landau explored the questions of how knowledge can be conveyed through new explanatory approaches as well as by designing new learning environments in an integrated research design.

The conceptual and experimental work focused on the question of which knowledge acquisition activities are better performed simultaneously (synchronously) and which are better performed non-simultaneously (asynchronously). To this end, the project transferred and tested the Media Synchronicity Theory (Dennis & Valacich 1999). The approach, borrowed from the research field of computer-assisted group work, establishes a connection between the synchronicity of media use and characteristics of communication and also provides further information on media use. The Media Synchronicity Theory has been tested in the field of knowledge-based cooperative learning.

If you have any questions about the project or about Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL), please contact Mr. Ferdinand ferdinand@uni-koblenz.de


Diploma thesis in the project SYWIKOL

Ferdinand, P. (2001). Development of a media didactic concept for collaborative eLearning using the example of the course "Case-oriented information management" at the University of Koblenz-Landau. Problem and decision-oriented eLearning in teams. Unpublished diploma thesis in the Department of Educational Sciences at the University of Koblenz-Landau, Koblenz Department. [pdf] [currently not available]