Techniques for Fostering Collaboration in Online Learning Communities: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives

International contributors in education, psychology, technology, and telecommunications engineering describe recent theory and applications in the field of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL), focusing on contexts in which students work online, usually through a computer-mediated communication platforms, and are subdivided into groups engaged in specific tasks for collaboration and output. Some specific topics include collaboration scripts and content schemes, blending educational models to design blended activities, and the use of case studies in online teacher education learning spaces. Other subjects explored include using role play and team teaching in online discussions, implementing computer-interpretable CSCL scripts with embedded assessment, and annotation-enhanced online discussion forums. Editors Pozzi and Persico are affiliated with the Institute for Educational Technology at the National Research Council, Italy. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)