Computer-supported cooperative work – and learning. Proceedings of Travail cooperative et NTIC en environments ouverts de formation, FREREF workshop

The areas of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) and computer-supported cooperative learning (CSCL) have co-existed next to each other for a long time. The co-existence has been a peaceful one, but then again, the relationship between the two fields has been characterized by little interaction. It might therefore be timely to consider if this state of affairs is as it should be. Some researchers believe that the two fields overlap to a very large extent, if not totally. They point to the fact that the two fields deal with issues of concerted human interaction and communication mediated by the same repertoire of basic computerbased technologies. Others believe that the two fields, in spite of these similarities, address rather different issues. I’m of the latter persuasion. In the following I will give my reasons for believing so. At the same time, however, I will point to issues of mutual interest to the two fields. I will conclude by addressing the challenge of internet-based education. Diverging concerns Cooperative work is usefully conceived of in terms of actors ’ interdependence i