Evaluating Distributed Computer-Supported Cooperative Learning (D-CSCL): A Framework and Some Data

D-CSCL (for Distributed Computer Supported Cooperative Learning), refers to approaches that aim at improving learning processes of groups of learners which are geographically distributed and connected by computer networks. The success of such learning technologies critically depends on sound evaluation, formative as well as summative. We first describe a general evaluation framework for D-CSCL systems. We then introduce VITAL, a cooperative learning environment prototype for distributed groups. We report preliminary evaluation results of the VITAL system. Though results show that acceptance and usability is satisfactory, issues such as group-awareness and action coordination remain problematic. We close with an integrative architecture for DCSCL systems.