Title: Demystifying the asynchronous network supported collaborative learning systems

Authors: P. Georgiakakis, S. Retalis

Addresses: Department of Technology Education and Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, 80 Karaoli and Dimitriou, Piraeus 185 34, Greece. ' Department of Technology Education and Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, 80 Karaoli and Dimitriou, Piraeus 185 34, Greece

Abstract: In this paper, we focus on the design of Asynchronous Network-Supported Collaborative Learning (ANSCL) systems. ANSCL systems offer a variety of features. Developers need guidance for building them to be usable. Design patterns are a promising means for assisting ANSCL developers in this task. In this paper, we give an overview of the ANSCL systems functionality after having performed an expert usability evaluation study of a large set of well-known ANSCL systems. On the basis of our results, we propose a set of relevant patterns for designing usable ANSCL systems.

Keywords: asynchronous network supported collaborative learning systems; ANSCL; design patterns; computer supported collaborative learning; CSCL; online learning; e-learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2006.009067

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2006 Vol.25 No.2/3, pp.116 - 127

Published online: 21 Feb 2006 *

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