Reflections on the Role of Technology in City-wide Collaborative Learning

In this paper we investigate collaborative learning that takes place in a city with the support of mobile and wireless technology. Based on a literature review, we identify and discuss four main roles: (1) supporting performance of shared tasks, (2) supporting social networking, (3) supporting active participation, and (4) supporting visibility of learning. Each role is illustrated with a short scenario and related works are discussed. We claim that the full potential of new technology emerges from the possibility of supporting learning that comes from exploration, interaction, and serendipity. Realizing this potential however raises a number of technical challenges that are still largely unexplored. In particular, we claim that there is a need to move from applications designed to support specific learning experiences to a serviceoriented infrastructure that eases the development and adaptation of applications for multiple and interleaved learning experiences. In this perspective, we need to identify services that are common across different learning experiences and that can be used as building blocks to develop specific applications. In this perspective, the identified roles are the first step towards the definition of a design framework for informing the development of technologies supporting city-wide collaborative learning. Author