Collaborative Learning Of Mathematical Problem Solving And Problem Posing Supported By 'Webknowledge Forum': A Design Experiment

The research presented in this paper is part of the comprehensive CL-Net project (Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Networks in Primary and Secondary Education) funded by the European Union. The overall aim of the CL-Net project was to examine how knowledge construction and skill building can be fostered in primary and secondary school pupils by immersing them under the guidance of a teacher in computer-supported collaborative learning networks (CLNs). CLNs can be characterized as powerful learning environments in which technology-based cognitive tools are embedded as means and resources that can elicit and mediate in a community of networked learners active and progressively more self-regulated processes of collaborative knowledge acquisition, meaning construction, and problem solving. The project combined the relevant expertise available in eight research centers spread over five European countries. The shared expertise related to such aspects as software development, teacher preparation for the implemention of CLNs, design principles for technology-supported powerful learning environments, and the construction of assessment instruments. In the context of the CL-Net project these eight centers were working at different levels of education in a variety of content areas, and with different software tools that can support collaborative learning.