Towards a Multi-fold Assessment Approach to Enrich the Virtualization of Collaborative Learning

Abstract

Collaborative and social learning assessment requires a broad perspective about learning and the involved processes. Assessment processes have a significant effect on CSCL because they engage learners through accountability and constructive feedback. However, in order to design a coherent and efficient assessment system for collaborative and social learning it is necessary to design an enriched learning experience that predisposes the feedback and awareness in the group. A complex set of simultaneously applied assessment approaches, each reinforcing and/or complementing the other is the main tool to enhance collaborative learning and social interaction amongst group members. In this paper, collaborative learning will be developed into a special environment: a Storyboard Learning Object. Collaborative learning using a storyboard may develop partners' collaborative and social abilities and competences through a sequential of integrated process where the interaction moves are continuously evaluated to determine the storyboard sequence and the use of the resources. To this end, two levels of assessment are proposed: deferred and immediate. Both are combined with contextual information about the user in order to produce an efficient and personalized assessment feedback to ultimately enhance and improve the collaborative learning experience. The research reported in this paper is currently undertaken within a FP7 European project called ALICE.