The effect of video-augmented chat on collaborative learning with cases

We investigated the effect of augmenting a chat-based learning system, with a lowand high-quality video link, on the focus (factual vs. abstract) of a case-based learning discussion. Efficient learning with cases requires discussion on the case as well as on the meaning of abstract knowledge. We find that students who first experience chat + high-quality video, focus significantly more on abstract knowledge than students first exposed to chat-only and chat + lowquality video. We also found that these students expressed a preference for face-to-face discussion. We conclude that video should be employed to improve case-based CSCL or in other methods where a balance between discussions on abstract and concrete knowledge are important.