An internet based collaborative distance learning system: Codiless

Abstract

In order to meet the growing demand for flexible and continuing education, distance learning is increasingly being used to supplement the conventional classroom based education. The learning approaches that have trained students to work alone and independently are also being augmented with collaborative approaches that better fit the needs of today's organizations. To devise a model and develop an implementation for an effective and efficient collaborative distance learning system, the authors have started an international cooperative project. In this paper, we describe our research objectives and illustrate the key design criteria and system features by using the experiences from recent work on collaborative distance learning. We describe the conceptual model and architecture of the system (Collaborative Distance Learning Support System: CODILESS). The system aims for effective learning and efficiency, both from the learner's and course provider's point of view. CODILESS supports both collaborative and resource based learning within the same environment by integrating asynchronous and synchronous multimedia communication with electronic learning resources on the local workstation and on the Internet.