Evolution,Research Fronts and Focus of Collaborative Learning Outside China: Based on Mapping Knowledge Domain
This paper carries on the visual analysis of collaborative learning research outside China,which includes about 1175 data of SSCI for more than twenty years. Using the mapping knowledge domain's method and technology,this study explores the key path of theory evolution as well as research forefronts and focus of collaborative learning in other countries during the twenty years. Studies have shown that collaborative learning theory goes through four periods,including continuous foundation period,research unit transformation and CSCL beginning period,process- oriented transformation and information technology continuous attention period,and CSCL bursting and collaboration script theory development period. Situated learning is the core basis for collaborative learning. CSCL is still one of the hottest research topic in current collaborative learning research field. Learning environment,learning process,and collaborative learning system have been paid much attention in collaborative learning field. Online collaborative learning is the most popular forefront of collaborative learning research area; other research front includes learning environment,knowledge management,collaborative learning activities,and learning outcomes.