Identifying Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) Research in Selected Journals Published from 2003 to 2012: A Content Analysis of Research Topics and Issues.

This study aims to identity the emerging research trends in the field of computed-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) so as to provide insights for researchers and educators into research topics and issues for further exploration. This paper analyzed the research topics, methods and technology adoptionof CSCLfrom 2003 to 2012. A total of 706 articles from 9 leading SSCI journals were selected and analyzed through the lens of research topics, research design, research methods, data sources, data analysis methods, research settings, research sample groups, research learning domain, types of collaborative learning, and technology for supporting collaborative learning. The results indicated that technologyin support of collaborative learning, interaction pattern and analysis, CSCL evaluation, and CSCL practice or applications in naturalistic teaching settings and community environment were the four major research topics. Qualitative research approach and descriptive research method were found in most of CSCL publications. Furthermore, it was found that the research topics significantly correlated with the research design and research methods. In the future, researchers and educators should pay more attention to technical affordance and facilitation in collaborative learning.