Investigation of the effect of group cohesion, group atmosphere, transactive memory system, and social interaction space on online cooperative learning attitude

Abstract

Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) has become increasingly widespread in higher education with the spread of online and hybrid learning applications after the pandemic. Although CSCL is an increasingly used method in education, there are some problems experienced while using this method. One of them is related to the negative attitudes of students toward CSCL. This negative attitude can reduce the effectiveness of CSCL on the learning process and results. This study investigated the effect of group collaboration processes on students' attitudes toward CSCL. The research was carried out on students studying at the education faculty of a state university and taking the information technologies II course with the CSCL method. During an academic term, students carried out their course applications as collaborative learning groups that they formed in line with their wishes using the CSCL method. The research was carried out on 209 students. Path analysis was carried out in the research. As a result of the research, it was seen that group atmosphere, transactive memory system, and social interaction space positively affected the positive attitude towards CSCL. In addition, it is seen that the negative attitude towards social interaction space CSCL has the opposite effect. According to the research findings, it can be said that taking measures to improve the group atmosphere, transactive memory system, and social interaction space in CSCL can positively affect the attitude. In line with the findings obtained from the research, various suggestions were made for researchers and educators for the effective use of CSCL environments.