Communication and conversation are among the keys to learning. Collaborative
technologies have emerged to offer a way to familiarize learners with these new
expectations and experiences. While current collaboration tools include e-mail,
computer networks, whiteboards, bulletin board systems, chat lines and online
presentation tools, a decade or two from now they could include extensive mentoring
networks, collaboration effectiveness indices, collaborative learning portals,
interplanetary chat networks and free-lance instructor exchange programs.
Collaboration entails working together toward a common goal. But what do we really
mean by collaboration? Why choose collaboration as a strategy in online discussions?
How do we facilitate effectively collaboration in online learning environments? What
are the tools commonly used for collaborating online? These questions are addressed in
this article. The paper discusses the nature of online learning collaboration, and
presents areas of research that provide information processes.