A framework for supporting Web-based Cooperative Learning

The relevant role of Educational Technology (EdTech), as the use of ICT somehow in Web-based learning situations, in our opinion, lies in the fact that it can provide users with tools to acquire self-confidence, to control their own learning processes and so to stimulate the cognitive and metacognitive processes. In the present study, rather than choose a theoretical or more practical approach, we identified some specific educational situations and investigated on how Web-based cooperative learning environments can promote successful motivation and effective learning. We tried to go further the design, develop and experiment of systems, suggesting a framework, called WebCLED, which aims to provide support for managing different networked cooperative learning situations. Finally, a concrete application of the WebCLED in designing, developing and evaluating the effectiveness of a Web-based cooperative learning environment in two different learning stages will be briefly described.