Role of group support systems on collaborative problem-based learning: A study on knowledge externalisation

Based on the success of using Group Support Systems (GSS) to support collaborative work, a growing community of GSS researchers investigates the potential of GSS in business education with special attention to collaborative learning. This paper extends their works and proposes a model of collaborative problem-based learning (CPBL). Based on the proposed model, we explain the effects of GSS on CPBL in general, and externalisation of learners' contributions (initiated ideas, questions and feedback) in particular. A controlled experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of GSS on externalization of the learners' contributions in a CPBL environment. The results indicate that learners in an anonymous GSS-supported CPBL environment externalise more initiated ideas, fewer questions, and fewer but better feedback than those in a non-GSS supported one.