Designing Human Interfaces for Collaborative Learning

Abstract

Collaborative learning, as opposed to individual learning, is known to provide an effective and efficient means of learning. Using computer-mediated communication (CMC), it can be incorporated into distance learning. This chapter describes the collaborative learning approach to be adopted in a forthcoming experimental course. It then describes the design of the interface for a CMC system to support it. Following a discussion of interface styles, it presents draft designs for four ‘views’ of the conference system: a personal view, a conference system overview, a conference overview, and a message view. The design attempts to convey the illusion of the presence of the members of the collaborative group (‘telepresence’), and provides convenient tools for collaboration.