A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR COLLABORATIVE-LUDIC SCENARIOS AND THEIR INTEGRATION TO LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) paradigm [1] focuses on the use of Information and communications technology as a mediational tool within collaborative methods of instruction. Since its inception this paradigm used technological advances in Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and instructional proposals for collaborative learning (CL). Currently one of research lines in CSCL propose identifying the computational strategies that positively influence team learning in distance learning environments; however, both the process of Collaborative Virtual Environments development as its instructional design, has still significant gaps that is convenient approach, especially for design scenarios in which particular forms of interaction among the students are expected to occur, which would trigger learning mechanisms [2].

In this paper we propose a methodological framework for the development of Virtual Environments based in CSCL paradigm that can be used in scenarios that integrate collaborative instruction strategies and ludic activities. Collaborative Virtual Environments will be used as remote tools to be integrated into a Learning Management Systems (LMS) using Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) specifications developed by Instructional Management Systems (IMS) Global Learning Consortium.

In order to supporting group members' metacognitive activities related to their interaction, the Collaborative Virtual Environment will incorporate a mirroring tool [3] with a set of indicators about the group activity [4].

References:
[1] Koschmann, T.: CSCL: Theory and Practice of an emerging paradigm. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.(1996).
[2] Dillenbourg, P.: What do you mean by collaborative learning?. In P. Dillenbourg (Ed) Collaborative-learning: Cognitive and Computational Approaches. Oxford: Elsevier (1999)
[3] Soller, A., Martinez, A., Jermann, P., & Mühlenbrock, M.: From mirroring to guiding: A review of the state of the art technology for supporting collaborative learning. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education. Volume 15. Issue 4, December 2005.Pages 261-290. IOS Press Amsterdam, The Netherlands, The Netherlands.
[4] A. Dimitracopoulou et al.: State of the Art of Interaction Analysis for Metacognitive Support & Diagnosis. IA JEIRP Deliverable D.31.1.1. Kaleidoscope NoE, http://www.noe-kaleidoscope.org, Dec. 2005.