Contextualized Argumentative Discussion for Design Learning in Group

The learning of experimental subjects involves the realization of practical works [8]. However, the material necessary to carry out these assignments is usually expensive and in many cases it is not adequately provided. This problem gets worse with the difficulty to bring the student closer to real situations, to replicate accidents and to simulate those chaotic situations which may happen in the real world. In order to soften this problem by means of the use of technology, we have developed a distributed environment with support for distance learning: DomoSim-TPC [2]. This system is a telematic environment for the collaborative learning of domotics design. Collaborative learning environments commit the learners in the realization of cognitive and meta-cognitive activities promoting the development of shared knowledge. In these environments technology provides mechanisms for the use of information, realization of distance activities, organization and structuring of these activities, etc. In particular, DomoSim-TPC provides support to diverse collaborative tasks in which the approach on the discussion model is important for bringing the student closer to real situations and reaching the commitment of the participants in the problem resolution. In this article we describe the dialogue model that adopts the system for the task called Collaborative Planning of Design [8] and some experimental results which provide an idea of the global effectiveness and efficiency of this system. First, we situate the concept of online conversation. Next, we describe in depth the characteristics of the discussion process adopted in our system during the aforementioned task. Then, we present the results of some experiences developed with