Design of Learning Environment to Connect Project-based Learning in a University with Informal Students' Activities

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24501223
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Educational technology
• Research Institution: Nihon Fukushi University
• Principal Investigator: SATO Shinichi 日本福祉大学, 国際福祉開発学部, 教授 (10410763)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): KAGETO Makoto 日本福祉大学, 国際福祉開発学部, 教授 (50351086)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: ソーシャルメディア / Project Based Learning / 探求の共同体 / インフォーマルラーニング / eポートフォリオ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The authors of this study investigated the type of activity that occurs on social networking services (SNSs), both a campus SNS and commercial SNSs (e.g., Facebook), during project-based learning (PBL) in a university by observing the students’ formal and informal use of such sites. The analysis revealed that the main platform for informal communication had shifted from the campus SNS to commercial SNSs. Further, the nature of such informal posts was different for each SNS. Students posted more frequently on Facebook; however, posts on the campus SNS were rather long and reflective. The authors also analyzed these posts based on the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Framework and reflected on the support required by students for online collaboration. The support of the teachers is necessary not only for progressing with the tasks (enhancing cognitive presence), but for enhancing social presence among the group members as well.

Free Research Field

教育工学