Manatunga, K., Hernández-Leo, D. PyramidApp: Scalable Method Enabling Collaboration in the Classroom. Proceedings of the 11th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning (EC-TEL 2016)
List of results published directly linked with the projects co-funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under the María de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program (MDM-2015-0502).
List of publications acknowledging the funding in Scopus.
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Manatunga, K., Hernández-Leo, D. PyramidApp: Scalable Method Enabling Collaboration in the Classroom. Proceedings of the 11th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning (EC-TEL 2016)
Manatunga, K., Hernández-Leo, D. PyramidApp: Scalable Method Enabling Collaboration in the Classroom. Proceedings of the 11th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning (EC-TEL 2016)
Computer Supported Collaborative Learning methods support fruitful social interactions using technological mediation and orchestration. However, studies indicate that most existing CSCL methods have not been applied to large classes, means that they may not scale well or that it’s unclear to what extent or with which technological mechanisms scalability could be feasible. This paper introduces and evaluates PyramidApp, implementing a scalable pedagogical method refining Pyramid (aka Snowball) collaborative learning flow pattern. Refinements include rating and discussing to reach upon global consensus. Three different face-to-face classroom situations were used to evaluate different tasks of pyramid interactions. Experiments led to conclude that pyramids can be meaningful with around 20 participants per pyramid of 3–4 levels, with several pyramids running in parallel depending on the classroom size. An underpinning algorithm enabling elastic creation of multiple pyramids, using control timers and triggering flow awareness facilitated scalability, dynamism and overall user satisfaction in the experience.
Keywords: Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, Pyramid / Snowball, Collaborative Learning Flow, Pattern, Large Groups, Classroom
Additional material
- pdf file at UPF open access e-repository
- PyramidApp web with additional details and introductory videos
- Dataset