Enhancing sociability of computer-supported collaborative learning environments

Abstract

Most computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments are purely functional, that is, they concentrate on a specific pedagogy. This is not surprising since their design and use is based on educational grounds and is driven by educators, educational technologists and educational researchers. Unfortunately, these functional environments do not always enable collaborative learning because they miss social interaction, a key element in collaborative learning. One approach for stimulating social interaction is using specific pedagogical techniques that enforce collaborative learning. This chapter presents an alternative approach that is based upon an affordance framework for designing sociable collaborative learning environments. This affordance framework is materialized by devices that enhance group awareness for users of CSCL environments.