Peer Collaboration in a Hypermedia Learning Environment

This article describes peer collaboration in a hypermedia learning environment and documents the factors that facilitate the development of a collaborative culture among middle school students. Findings from a four-year research study involving middle school students as hypermedia designers are reported. The key research questions investigate how collaboration is encouraged, facilitated, and taught; the benefits of peer collaboration; peer collaboration’s impact on student learning; and the negative aspects of collaboration. We address these three questions, focusing on the factors that help establish and support a collaborative culture in a technology-intensive classroom.