ABSTRACT

A common feature of problem-based learning (PBL) is to provide a range of resources that the students, working in groups on real-world problems, can access to obtain assistance with solving the problems. Typical characteristics of PBL suggest introduction of computer supported collaborative learning environment. This chapter presents reference model for such environment, consisting of four groups of components used to support functions concerning access to different knowledge sources, external communication, communication in a group, and facilitation and compensation. Most important knowledge sources in the environment are virtual textbooks, prepared by teachers, and knowledge trees that grow as a result of collaboration between all users. The tools used for communication in a group and the tools for facilitation and compensation together form virtual classroom that can to great extent help its users to overcome the obstacles that appear due to spatial and/or temporal separation. Virtual presence in virtual classroom can give participants the impression of a membership in a community. Facilitation tools are used to facilitate human thought, i.e. showing information in a way that makes solution more obvious than the original representation of the same information. In common educational settings facilitation was one of the main teacher's tasks, while in collaborative computer supported virtual environments he becomes more an advisor, a manger of learning space and organizer of the work rather than full-time direct provider of knowledge.