From Engineer to Architecture? Designing for a Social Constructivist Environment

Abstract

This chapter examines the design requirements of a social constructivist virtual learning environment. It uses the example of teaching expertise to practitioners to demonstrate the practical application of the cognitive theories underpinning a community of practice, with the objective of providing an insight into some of the complex issues involved in creating such an environment. It is argued that the analogy of designer as architect is most appropriate, reflecting a move from task-centred courseware to learner-centred situated environments.