A conceptual framework for the integration of multiple perspectives with distributed learning environments

IN RECENT YEARS, INCREASED ATTENTION has been directed towards the design of distributed and collaborative learning environments that enable sharing of information, resources, and perspectives. The information-rich and communicative aspects of the Internet offer a feasible avenue for collaboration among learners by allowing access to data, information, and multiple points of view. This paper describes a conceptual framework that can be used to guide the design of distributed learning environments-particularly those that utilize the capabilities of computer and Internet technology. This paper and framework offer implications for improving online collaboration among learners and for informing future designs of computer-supported collaborative learning environments.