The evolution of research on computer-supported collaborative learning: from design to orchestration

This chapter summarizes two decades of research on computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). We first review the key idea that has emerged, namely the fact that collaboration among peers can be “designed”, that is, directly or indirectly shaped by the CSCL environment. Second, we stress the fact that affective and motivational aspects that influence collaborative learning have been neglected by experimental CSCL researchers. Finally, we point out the emergence of a new trend or new challenge: integration of CSCL activities into larger pedagogical scenarios that include multiple activities and must be orchestrated in real time by the teacher.