Envisioning Next-Generation Online Discussion: Immersive Layered Rich Media for e-Learning and Knowledge Management

Online discussion has been well established as a fundamental tool for collaborative e-learning and by extension for organizational knowledge management. Yet, in its current generation its effectiveness is limited by the enabling technology on which it is based. Applying Media Synchronicity Theory, potential benefits are envisioned, particularly in the case of collaborative learning environments, from incorporating emerging technologies toward a next-generation online discussion facility that provides a more expressive and responsive platform for collaborative learning. The potential benefits of penbased computing, 3-D user interfaces, speech recognition, and layered rich media content are explored. At the same time, a number of challenging issues must be addressed in designing such an environment to ensure user acceptance and to maximize realization of the potential. Exploring this conceptualization serves to help surface both the opportunities and the challenges associated with such environments.