According to Kirschner et al (2004) there are two problems with research into
and the design of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL)
environments: "a tendency to focus on surface characteristics" and "to apply
traditional classroom ideas and pedagogy in non-contiguous collaborative
learning environments" (p. 59). In order to overcome these difficulties they
consider how to design CSCL environments by focusing on educational, social
and technical affordances and consider educational affordances first. They
describe educational affordances as the relationships between the learner and
the environment that define if and how learning will take place. Consequently,
educational affordances are the features of the learning environment that
support the learning needs of the students as they become apparent. Social
affordances on the other hand facilitate and encourage interaction and
collaborative learning. In addition online environments require that we consider
technical affordances. Kirshner et al, (2004) describe technical affordances as
those that "mediate the social and educational contexts such that their
properties induce and invite specific learning behaviors" (p. 50).