Investigating design and technology students' peer interactions in a technology-mediated learning environment: A case study

Abstract

This research investigates students' peer interactions in the Design and Technology (D&T) environment supported byKnowledge Forum. The sample comprised of 15 students who had no prior experience in using Knowledge Forumto mediate their D&T learning. Their interaction with peers occurred in three stages: design situation, ideation and development. Data was collected mainly from students' online discussion transcripts, with reference to hardcopy of students' reflection logs and design briefs which were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings showed unequal participation by the students throughout their weekly online discussion activities. In terms of students' interaction with their peers, the frequency of students' reading of notes far exceeded their frequency of building upon notes, as evidenced by their social network of notes.