Computer-Supported Human Cooperation in Electronic Classrooms

Recently, there has been growing excitement over the use of electronic classrooms. This paper provides a carefully balanced view of the advantages of using various technological facilities to improve teaching and learning, while recognizing the continuing need for a human teacher who coordinates and controls the learning process. In particular, our view is that technology should not be intrusive and should serve as a „means“ towards specific educational goals, not as an „end“ in itself. To illustrate this view we offer as a „case study“ our vision of a course that uses electronic classrooms to assist teachers and students. Category: K.3.2 [Computers and Education]: Computer and information science education; K.4.2 [Computing Milieux]: Computers and Society Social issues; K.4.3 [Computers and Society]: Organizational Impacts