Shuangyan Liu, Mike Joy and Nathan Griffiths, An Exploration of Correlative Elements to Support Cognitive Advancement in the Design of Collaborative Learning Tools
Cognitive advancement in collaborative learning is diverse, complex and interdisciplinary, involving research in technology, pedagogy, psychology and sociology. The state-of-the-art computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) tools mainly focus on promoting communication between learners whilst they are engaging in collaborative learning activities. In order to explore the elements that support cognitive advancement for the design of CSCL tools, we have undertaken a literature-based analysis of both technological and non-technological perspectives on CSCL, and have derived several essential design elements from the analysis. We propose a new conceptual model by combining these elements, which aims to provide encompassing support for collaborative learning activities and to address the correlative functions that the derived elements can provide for the design of CSCL tools for cognitive advancement. We also discuss implementation issues which affect the conceptual model and suggest how our collaborative learning tool can be built as a multi-agent system.