Actor Interdependence in Collaborative Tele learning

This paper presents a model of collaborative telelearning and describes how coordination theory has provided a framework for the analysis of actor (inter)dependencies in this scenario. The model is intended to inform the instructional design of learning scenarios, the technological design of the telelearning environment, and the design of intelligent agents to mediate or to support the mediation of collaborative telelearning. The first section introduces the challenges of telelearning, focusing on the fluid mediation of collaborative learning activity. Computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and coordination theory are discussed in the second section. The third section presents the model and its use in distance learning in a strategic management course at Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales in Montreal (Canada); the part of the course that the learning scenarios document utilizes Netstrat, an Internet-based strategic management simulation. Reading the model is explained in the next section. The fifth section discusses the analysis of dependencies between actors in distance learning scenarios and describes the concept of collaborative shared interdependence through a shared activity. A table presents dependencies between activities. Four figures illustrate: the Netstrat simulation game; features of the strategic management course and Netstrat; and the third year learning scenario model. (Contains 11 references.) (DLS) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** DEPARTMENrOF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Irnprovement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) O This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating if. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Actor Interdependence in Collaborative Tele learning Barbara Wasson partment of Information Science, University of Bergen, N-5020, Bergen, Norway Email: [email protected] Jacqueline Bourdeau Dept. of Education, Université du Québec a Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada G7H 2B1 & LICEF, Télé-université, 1001, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2L 4L5 Email: [email protected] Abstract: In our research we are developing an interdependence model for collaborative telelearning. We envisage that such a model will inform the instructional design of learning scenarios, the technological design of the telelearning environment and the design of intelligent agents to mediate, or to support the mediation of collaborative telelearning. In this paper we present a model of a collaborative telelearning scenario and describe how coordination theory has provided a framework for the analysis of actor (inter)dependencies in this scenario. In our research we are developing an interdependence model for collaborative telelearning. We envisage that such a model will inform the instructional design of learning scenarios, the technological design of the telelearning environment and the design of intelligent agents to mediate, or to support the mediation of collaborative telelearning. In this paper we present a model of a collaborative telelearning scenario and describe how coordination theory has provided a framework for the analysis of actor (inter)dependencies in this scenario.