Student discussions on a linear algebra problem in a distance-education course

An introductory course on Linear Algebra was given at a distance, employing group work. We present one of the on-line discussions about a problem that involved eigenvalues and eigenvectors, commenting on the conceptual and logical difficulties of students, as well as the characteristics of the distance environment as far as they influence student interactions. We emphasize that our success in using new communicational technologies for instructional purposes will depend on our understanding of these new environments and this in turn will require change in points of view in interpreting teaching and learning phenomena.