A Study of Asynchronous and Synchronous Discussion on Cognitive Maps in a Distributed Learning Environment

This paper reports on a comparative study of the use of asynchronous (bulletin board) and synchronous (chat) discussion on three learning units based on the cognitive maps developed by the learners. Cognitive maps have been found to be an effective tool for learners for discussion in a distributed learning environment. Cognitive maps provided learners a way to organize their understanding of the learning units. Participants in the study were 15 professionals, mostly engineers, from different organizations from around the world. During the discussion session on the Internet, the learners were able to exchange their ideas based on the cognitive maps. After the discussion, learners modified their cognitive maps with regard to newer understanding of the text. The learners preferred the bulletin board as a discussion platform as it gave them a better opportunity to concretize their thoughts before responding to the collaborating group members. (Contains 10 references.) (Author/MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY