The Potential of Modern Telelearning Tools for Collaborative Learning

Abstract: Recently, a variety of telelearning/teaching tools and Web-based course delivery systems have been developed. Most of these tools are reported to be useful in collaborative learning. However, in this paper it is argued that true collaboration in schools requires not only the technology, but also well-designed learning activities based on sound principles of collaborative learning. In this paper, theoretical foundations and the importance of collaborative learning are discussed, then three sophisticated telelearning tools and their potential for collaborative learning are presented. Finally, in view of the costs and the limitations of these tools, a Collaborative Electronic Learning model based on a three-year study at the University of Calgary is suggested as a more promising and more economic alternative. Resume: Recemment, une variete d'outils de teleapprentissage et de systemes de livraison de cours sur le Web a ete developpee. La plupart de ces outils, dit-on, sont utiles pour l'apprentissage cooperatif. Cet article, toutefois, soutient qu'une veritable collaboration dans les ecoles requiert non seulement la technologie, mais aussi des activites d'apprentissage bien concues qui se fondent sur des principes solides d'apprentissage cooperatif. Cet article discute donc du fondement theorique et de l'importance de l'apprentissage cooperatif, apres quoi il presente trois outils de teleapprentissage sophistiques et decrit leur potentiel pour l'apprentissage cooperatif. Enfin, en vue des cou^ts et limites de ces outils, l'article propose un modele de Collaborative Electronic Learning (Apprentissage cooperatif electronique) base sur une etude de trois ans menee au University of Calgary; il suggere que cette alternative est plus prometteuse et moins dispendieuse.