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The Digital University pp 73–84Cite as

Creating a Community of Learning Using Web-based Tools

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Part of the book series: Computer Supported Cooperative Work ((CSCW))

Abstract

Our work aims to extend the concept of computer-supported collaboration in the classroom to include asynchronous activities that take place outside the face-to-face setting. The need for support of collaboration outside the classroom is particularly relevant to Masters-level courses, where students are expected to engage more actively in learning activities by presenting papers, contributing handouts, and engaging in team practices. This chapter discusses a Web-based initiative to develop interactive support for a community of collaborating learners. An approach was taken based on design principles from Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) research. These principles state that critical dimensions of successful support for collaboration are: effectiveness, engagement, and flexibility. It is essential also that the system be easily modifiable, and can evolve in line with the changing needs of the teaching environment. A system designed on these principles has been implemented and is being successfully used in the context of a Masters course.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science, Queen Mary and Westfield College, Mile End Road, London, ECI 4NS, UK

    Sylvia Wilbur

Authors
  1. Sylvia Wilbur
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computing Science, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

    Reza Hazemi BEng, MSc, PhD , Stephen Hailes MA, PhD  & Steve Wilbur BSc(Eng), MSc, CEng, FIEE, FBCS ,  & 

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© 1998 Springer-Verlag London

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Wilbur, S. (1998). Creating a Community of Learning Using Web-based Tools. In: Hazemi, R., Hailes, S., Wilbur, S. (eds) The Digital University. Computer Supported Cooperative Work. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0625-8_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0625-8_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-85233-003-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-0625-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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