A Qualitative Schematic Analysis that Shows a Collaborative Process of Knowledge Construction while Using a Bulletin Board System : A Case of Undergraduate Students' Learning about Astronomy in a Course

Abstract

This study focuses upon undergraduate students' learning about astronomy while using a bulletin board system in a course. We analyzed students' messages to the bulletin board qualitatively and developed schematic representations tor interactions among members and for knowledge changes by individuals. A schematic analysis showed a process of collaborative construction of knowledge. This qualitative analysis confirmed that changes in individuals' knowledge were influenced by the interactions among members. Collaborative learning in the context of using the bulletin board system may enhance the undergraduate students' understanding of disciplinary knowledge in the domain of astronomy.