Effect of GSS on Meaningful Learning

This study investigates the contribution of Group Support Systems (GSS) to collaborative learning environments. We propose a model explaining the effect of GSS on the acquisition of problem solving knowledge. We also discuss the results of an empirical study designed to test the predictions of the proposed model. In the empirical study, a GSS supported environment is compared to a traditional face-to-face collaborative environment in terms of the user understanding of a problem solving task. The level of understanding is assessed by the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) taxonomy. The results of the empirical study indicate that GSS supported collaborative learning leads to a significantly higher level of understanding than collaborative learning not supported by GSS.