Our treasured colleague, Dana Kube, successfully defended her PhD thesis on November 29th at the Open University in Heerlen, Netherlands. We warmly congratulate Dr. Kube for her great academic achievements and advancements in the field of CSCL and gender research!
In her dissertation titled “Gender & CSCL – Exploring the Relation of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) and Gender Bias in Research and Practice”, Dana emphasizes that gender equity is not just a goal, but a necessity for sustainable development and illustrates the role of gender in research and practice. It remains a challenge to understand which aspects of gender are most important in research, and how to interpret findings in the context of pervasive gender stereotypes and biases. This issue is especially pressing in the field of STEM, where gender imbalances are often most noticeable.
In this context, Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) offers a promising approach. In CSCL learners work together to share and co-construct knowledge. This approach has been recognized to foster not only cognitive learning outcomes but also social and psychological benefits, such as improved interpersonal relationships and greater awareness of equity and diversity. Yet, the role gender plays within this framework remains under-explored.
PhD Defense Dana Kube_291124_ GENDER&CSCL_final
Dana’s dissertation, supervised by Prof. Dr. Hendrik Drachsler (DIPF | Leibniz Institute & Goethe University Frankfurt) and Prof. Dr. Karel Kreijns (Open Universiteit Nederland), seeks to fill that gap by investigating the specific role gender plays in CSCL and addressing the potential gender biases that may exist in CSCL research methodologies. While studies have examined gender differences in CSCL, there is little research on how gender directly impacts learning within these environments, or how research practices may inadvertently perpetuate biases.
Dana’s dissertation offers recommendations for both pedagogical and technical approaches that can foster a more gender-equitable and inclusive CSCL environment. In addition, it contributes to the broader theoretical conversation around gender conceptualizations in research by applying socio-constructivist methodologies, which help to better understand how gender and gender diversity influence collaborative learning processes.
Her work provides alternative methods for assessing gender and bias in CSCL research, paving the way for more inclusive educational practices and ultimately helping to create a learning environment where gender equity is a fundamental principle.
Kube, D. (2024). GENDER & CSCL EXPLORING THE RELATION OF COMPUTER-SUPPORTED COLLABORATIVE LEARNING (CSCL) AND GENDER BIAS IN RESEARCH AND PRACTICE. [Doctoral Thesis]. Open University.