Pupil communication during electronic collaborative projects:Integrating communication tools with communication scenarios.

Abstract: The rapid expansion of computer-mediated communication (CMC) into classrooms has nurtured expectations that Communication Technology (CT) will support pupils' construction of shared knowledge by articulating their thoughts and reflecting on their activity. In this paper we argue that the connection between CMC and such learning experiences is far from selfevident. The paper investigates how the coupling of CMC tools with educational ‘scenarios' can structure communication learning activities in the classroom. We describe the design aspects of two different scenarios, such as activities, communication need, roles, layers and channels. We also provide qualitative empirical evidence on educational potential for information handling, reflection and communicative awareness. Implications for whether a communication setting ensures meaningful communication are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]