ECLDA 2012 - International Workshop on Exploring collaborative learning as design activity

Interactive learning environments can roughly be grouped in two: 1) graphic models of natural (physical, biological) phenomena and 2) social learning environments. The first is about user interfaces for learners to interact with simulations of aspects of reality (e.g. how a heat pump works). These are increasingly used as educational tools in science classrooms (de Jong, 2006; Holzinger et al., 2009). The other type is learning environments for social interaction, collaboration and inquiry (Rubens et al., 2005), and guided by conceptual frameworks like progressive inquiry and cultures of participation (Jenkins, 2006; Fischer 2009). These environments are also used outside of classrooms (e.g. Wikipedia). We see both kinds of learning environments as essential for full support of learning as they complement each other in significant ways. In this workshop we aim to explore their synergy and bring together researchers working in one or the other field with an interest in synthesizing previous work and developing a research agenda for integrated learning environments. We welcome both design proposals and empirical studies. The workshop has two additional goals: to investigate common possibilities for publication and to identify possible project ideas for further work.