Activity-Aware Chat System Based on a Study of Distributed Collaborative Learning

This paper presents a study of the learning process in a distance collaborative learning environment with a chat system and a Wiki, and development of a new chat system based on the study. Collaborative learning as the combination of conversation and collaborative work was investigated, which revealed 1) There is a time lag between conversation and work, 2) Awareness of other learners is problematic in distance collaborative learning. Based on the investigation, an activity-aware chat system that indicates both conversation and work has been developed.