Communication, visualization and social aspects involved on a virtual collaborative learning environment

This paper discusses the influence of communication modalities and social aspects on the development of virtual collaborative distance education environments. We based this discussion on the use and development of TelEduc, a virtual distance education environment that has been developed since 1996 and through which many courses have been supported. We have used participatory design on its development and this method has evidenced social aspects that should be considered. Its last version has incorporated tools to support social aspects and to facilitate interaction, improving the educational process.