The impact of collaborative computer software on the enhancement of learning in a secondary science course

This qualitative study examines the impact of the use of collaborative computer software on the enhancement of learning in three high school biology classes. Current research has suggested that collaborative teaching methods can increase student achievement in the study of science and can create in students a more positive attitude toward the study of science. Research further indicates that computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) can also promote higher achievement in science and a more positive attitude in students studying science.;This study focused primarily on gaining a better understanding of how CSCL can affect student attitudes toward learning biology and how teachers change their attitudes toward CSCL and their curriculum and assessment practices to accommodate CSCL. An additional focus of the study was to examine whether CSCL could significantly enhance student achievement.;In this study three groups of five students each participated in weekly CSCL sessions (using Groove collaborative software) for one semester). Questionnaires were administered to both project participants and comparison groups to compare student attitudes toward the study of biology.;Teacher attitudes toward changing their curriculum and assessment practices for students involved in CSCL projects were determined from both the researcher's notes of biweekly teacher meetings and teacher reflection papers.;The principal findings of this research are: (1) students who engaged in CSCL enjoyed their study of biology more than their comparison group students, (2) students who engaged in CSCL had generally higher (though not statistically significant) achievement in biology than comparison students, (3) teachers significantly changed their mode of instruction from teacher centered to student centered learning, (4) teachers significantly changed their assessment practices to accommodate CSCL students.;This study suggests that the use of CSCL can improve student attitude and achievement in the study of biology at the secondary level. In addition, it confirms that teachers involved in CSCL will need to change both their curriculum and assessment practices to accommodate CSCL students.