Usability , Sociability , and Learnability : A CSCL Design Evaluation Framework

In this paper, we propose a three component CSCL design evaluation framework of usability, sociability, and learnability. Usability refers to the ease of use and subjective learner satisfaction with CSCL systems. Sociability refers to the CSCL system support for social interactional processes such as conversation, cooperation, deliberation, and/or argumentation. Learnability refers to the evaluation of CSCL systems in terms of student learning processes and products. We apply this CSCL system design evaluation framework to results from a prior experimental study of three different CSCL design environments for asynchronous computer supported collaborative problem solving. Our results suggest a ―preference vs. performance paradox‖ in CSCL across the usability, sociability, and learnability components of the design evaluation framework.