Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Department of Communication and Media Studies

Includes bibliography (sheets 60-72)

ABSTRACT The main aim of the study is to examine text-based conversation with a focus on attaining successful collaborative learning among university students.There have been great impacts from the use of text based conversation as it has improved connection between people without meeting face-to-face. In educational systems, students have been found to communicate with technological devices such as mobile phones, not only with their friends but their course mates also. The sample for the study was selected through convenience sampling from universities located in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Data was collected with a questionnaire developed to measure computer mediated communication, online communication, collaborative learning, and perception of satisfaction. Quantitative data collection approach was utilized and was mainly aimed to measure perception of students to online communication exchange with respect to collaborative learning. Data analysis results have illustrated that online communication has a relationship with collaborative learning among university students. It was also discovered that there is a significant relationship between text-based communication (computer mediated communication; electronic documents) and successful collaborative learning. University students have also been revealed to have a perception of satisfaction for collaborative learning. The collaborative type of learning activities and how text based conversations contribute to the development of the competence expectations at the end at the course and impact learning process have been discovered to be of relevance. Text based conversations will play an important role in restructuring teaching and learning processes. We believe that computer mediated communication do help individuals in reducing gap with misinformation and thus assists completion of works better.