An integrated framework for collaboration in online learning using CSCL scripts

Collaborative learning has proved to be effective in improving cognitive skills (e.g., critical thinking) and acquiring knowledge through group interactions and activities. An active research field known as Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) aims to enrich collaborative learning using technologies. These days, online learning environments equipped with various communication tools (e.g., chat sessions, discussion forums, voting, video conferencing, etc.) have been widely used by many higher education institutions. However, the CSCL research community has identified potential issues among online learners, one of which being the lack of productive collaboration in online learning environments. To address these issues, CSCL researchers have suggested the use of CSCL scripts to trigger and structure collaborative learning activities. In this paper, a review of relevant studies on CSCL scripts and the development life cycle involved (i.e., modelling, authoring, deployment, and execution phases) is presented. We found a number of initiatives in tools and platforms developed to create CSCL scripts for specific collaborative scenarios. It is evident that the development of CSCL scripts is still evolving and many hurdles need to be overcome before educators and learners can utilise such tools and platforms in a ubiquitous manner. In particular, many of these tools and platforms appear to be complex and difficult to use (e.g., a certain level of technical skill is required). To remedy some of the complexity involved in various tools and platforms used across a number of phases in CSCL script development, we propose a framework that integrates the development and execution of CSCL scripts into a single, user-friendly environment. The main objective of our research is to minimise the complexity in developing and executing CSCL scripts for online collaborative learning scenarios