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Designing computer systems to support peer learning

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Abstract

This article begins with a review of the various roles which computers have played in supporting collaborative learning and argues that, whatever role it plays, technology is not neutral with respect to interactions with and between users. Interfaces to learning environments embody particular representational schemes which have the potential either for competing with representations of the learning domain or for giving access to it. In this respect, the learner-machine interface has ‘Epistemic significance’ and its design is as important as the design of the materials and activities to which it interfaces.

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O’Malley, C. Designing computer systems to support peer learning. Eur J Psychol Educ 7, 339–352 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03172898

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