Combining ergonomics, culture and scenario for the design of a platform for cooperation

Analyzing the way computer technologies are used is crucial to their development. Such analyses make it possible to evaluate these technologies and to enhance their evolution. The present article presents some ideas drawn from the development of a cooperation platform for elementary school children (10-11 years old). On the basis of an obvious ergonomic requirement, we worked on two other dimensions: cultural aspects and the teaching scenario. The goal was to set up observation situations and analyze the conversations produced during those situations, in order to understand what using the platform meant to both the pupils and their teachers