Design of Collaborative Learning Environments: bridging the gap between CSCL theories and Open Source Platforms

Abstract

Starting with the assumption that collaborative learning and working will occupy a strategic role in undergraduate, post-graduate and life-long education as well as in collaborative, fl exible and distant working, in this paper we present a refl ection on how to reduce the gap between constructivist and CSCL/W theories and practices, and open source initiatives for e-learning in universities. The main goal, beyond the production of technologies, is to put forward research directions and to stimulate instructional designers to closely work with open source researchers and developers. In this paper we present a synthetic selection of collaborative features that are usually included in CSCL/W environments but are missing in e-learning platforms. Thereafter, we propose the design and implementation of some of the more relevant features in a very well known open source e-learning platform (Moodle). Finally, we discuss the potentialities and critical aspects of Moodle as a possible solution to the need for the dissemination of collaborative learning experiences in Higher Education contexts