Abstract :
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of coordination support
(tool support and tutor support) on the development of shared mental models
(SMMs) and coordinated action in a computer-supported collaborative learning
environment. Eighteen students were randomly assigned to one of three
conditions, including the tool condition, the tutor condition, and the control
condition (two groups per condition). Groups in the tool condition were given
the task management tools; groups in the tutor condition received assistance
from a tutor about coordination; and the control groups did not receive any
support. SMMs were assessed on a 5-point Likert scale and coordinated action
was analysed by examining learners’ logfiles. The findings of this study suggest
that tool support facilitates the development of SMMs and promotes coordinated
action of each group
