Towards Collaborative Complex Learning Objects by the Virtualization of Collaborative Sessions

Abstract

On-line collaborative learning has demonstrated the benefits of using collaborative activities to increase the learning efficacy. However, collaborative learning approaches cannot be applied in every e-learning experience because they require people’s presence and collaboration, which is frequently difficult to achieve. In addition, collaborative learning resources lack of authentic interactivity, user empowerment and challenge, thus having a negative effect in learner motivation and engagement. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new paradigm named Collaborative Complex Learning Objects (CC-LO) defined as a special type of learning objects within Virtualized Collaborative Sessions (VCS) with the aim to leverage the knowledge elicited during live sessions of collaborative learning, which are augmented with author-generated information, in order to produce interactive and attractive resources to be played by learners. During the CC-LO execution, a VCS is animated so that learners can observe how avatars discuss and collaborate, how discussion threads grow and how knowledge is constructed, refined and consolidated. Furthermore, learners can interact with the CC-LO in order to modify some parameters observing the consequences and assessing their understanding. The research reported in this paper is currently undertaken within a FP7 European project called ALICE.