Technical Difficulties and Awkward Interfaces

Among the problems most frequently encountered in CSCL, hardware and software issues rank high. The "Computer-Supported" aspects of CSCL are all-too-frequently lacking (i.e. NOT supportive at all). The ideal is described by Stahl et al: "...the role of the computer shifts from providing instruction - either in the form of facts in computer-aided instruction or in the form of feedback from intelligent tutoring systems - to supporting collaboration by providing media of communication and scaffolding for productive student interaction." In other words, the perfect CSCL software package will be almost invisible; it facilitates the collaboration and the learning rather than pushing it. Such software would allow learners to interact freely in the knowledge building process without the constant strain of having to "work around" communication issues or hardware glitches.

The student who must struggle with hardware or connectivity issues is obviously fighting an uphill battle in the CSCL environment. Surprisingly, one-third of all Americans lack broadband access from their homes. Those who do have broadband may find it unreliable, or may have other hardware problems to contend with.

As for the CSCL interface, if the learner finds it awkward, difficult to use or understand, or cumbersome in any way, then learning and collaboration are hindered rather than facilitated. Many researchers have found that scripting the social interaction in the CSCL environment is helpful in the collaborative process, but I say the designer must be careful not to script the learning process in an overly restrictive, cumbersome, or formulaic way. There's a fine line between helpful scripting and restrictive interference in the natural evolution and development of the collaborative learning process and product.

REFERENCES

eSchoolnews. (2010, November 11). New report highlights barriers to online learning. eSchool News. Retrieved from http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/11/11/new-report-highlights-barriers-to-online-learning/

Stahl, G., Koschmann, T., & Suthers, D. (2006). Computer-supported collaborative learning: An historical perspective. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences (pp. 409-426). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Weinberger, A., Ertl, B., Fischer, F., & Mandl, H. (2005). Epistemic and social scripts in computer-supported collaborative learning. Instructional Sciences, 33(1), 1-30.