Fostering collaborative knowledge building by the effective provision of knowledge about the discussion process

Abstract

This paper reports on an experience of using an innovative CSCL tool to support real, collaborative learning by discussion. We base the success of online collaborative discussion on two crucial aspects: first, by providing an adequate dialogue structure and move types that promote meaningful contributions and achieve more effective interaction; second, by extracting relevant knowledge in order to provide learners and tutors with efficient awareness, feedback, and monitoring as regards learners’ performance and collaboration. The ultimate goal is to achieve a more effective support and assessment of the discussion process. A real virtual learning environment based on asynchronous discussion is employed to validate the approach.