Toward an Integrated E-Collaboration Framework for Learning Purposes

Abstract

This chapter discusses issues to be considered in the development of a framework with advanced e-collaboration features for learning purposes. Having first identified the underlying requirements, we review enabling technologies and propose an approach that seamlessly integrates knowledge management, decision-making, argumentative discourse, and simulation issues. In addition, we comment on the extent to which our approach satisfies the needs of virtual learning communities and supports various learning methods such as learning by doing, conversational learning, and constructive criticism of an issue or an abstract idea. The proposed framework acts as a medium on which diverse knowledge and information sources can be attached, thus aiding people involved in a learning process to widen their perspectives and learn from past experience.