Interoperability and Reusability of Knowledge in a Constructivist Web-Based Learning CSCL System

Computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is an evolving field that emphasizes the collaborative aspects of learning by means of artifacts deployed over a group. CSCL targets the development of problem-solving skills by means of a collaborative process of knowledge construction. Unfortunately most recent e-learning systems lack of the fundamental characteristics that guarantee knowledge sharing such as accessibility, interoperability, durability and reusability. In this paper, we propose the use of the shareable courseware object reference model (SCORM) as the technological foundation for a CSCL environment based on the scientific method. The contribution of this work is on showing the design of a Web-based learning system that promotes the use of the scientific method as a general methodology for problem-solving by helping the participants to find, import, share, reuse, and export learning content in a standardized way