Visual Modelling of Collaborative Learning Processes: Uses, Desired Properties, and Approaches

Abstract

The modelling of learning processes and its use in computer-supported learning scenarios attracted attention in a wide variety of research fields in the last years, e.g. in web based education, computer supported collaboration scripts, and intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). Most of the discussion is either focused on the conceptual level of instructional design for exchange between designers or on the automated execution of predefined designs and learning scripts. In this chapter we will elaborate on the whole spectrum of different uses that visual learning models provide for teachers, learners, and researchers. Based on our discussions in an international research project on computer-supported collaboration scripts we identify desired properties for such modelling languages especially considering the needs of the practitioners. Finally we propose MoCoLADe (MOdel for COllaborative Learning Activity Design), an exemplary approach of a visual language for collaborative learning processes that was designed according to the presented principles.