Structuring Collaborative Setting in the Learner Centered Learning Environment

Abstract

AbstractIn computer supported collaborative settings there is a need to structure collaboration in order to foster productive interactions. In the Learner centered Learning (LcL) environment, which is an activity-oriented learning environment, the structuring of collaborative setting addresses issues related to the formation and collaboration model followed by the groups and to the structuring of the dialogue. The communication tool supports both the free and the structured form with different scaffolding communication means. The teacher can adapt the collaborative setting, i.e. the model of collaboration and the communication tool according to the collaborative activity designed. The results of the preliminary study conducted, revealed that the students used the structured form adequately resulting into more coherent conversations and they acknowledge the added value of the structured form.KeywordsCollaborative activitiesCommunicationStructured dialogue