Towards a model of Collaborative Support for Distance Learners To . . .

Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of a prototype to support collaborative learning. It is part of a larger effort dealing with the study of mechanisms of cooperation and collaboration between distance learners while performing joint tasks involving complex interactions. The final goal of the project is to produce a conceptual model and a tailorable system for describing a variety of collaborative distance learning scenarios providing active group support. A first web-based prototype integrating private and shared workspaces has been implemented, and a testbed carried out with graduate students. The learning scenario and the collaborative facilities offered by the system are presented.