Collaborative Learning Evaluation (CLE) Framework

Collaborative Learning is an effective activity-based, constructivism-based and experience-based learning method. Recently, various computer and network supported educational environments are incorporating collaborative learning activities. In order to design, develop and select effective collaborative learning systems it is necessary to consider quality requirements. This paper presents the CLE (Collaborative Learning Evaluation) framework for evaluating the quality of collaborative learning systems. This CLE framework consists of three quality dimensions: educational, economical, and technical. The educational dimension consists of three sub-dimensions: i) content & activities, ii) pedagogy & abilities, and iii) interaction & communication. The economical dimension consists of three sub-dimensions: i) costs, ii) contracts & licenses, and iii) cost-effectiveness. The technical dimension consists of eight sub-dimensions: i) user interface, ii) reliability, iii) maintainability, iv) performance, v) functionality, vi) adaptation, vii) connectivity, and viii) security. This CLE framework may help designers, developers and evaluators of collaborative learning systems to make right decisions. Key-Words: collaborative learning, cooperation, evaluation, human-computer interaction, pedagogy, quality requirements, usability.