A Framework for Small Group Support in Online Collaborative Learning Combining Collaboration Scripts and Online Tutoring

Many learners experience difficulties engaging in collaborative learning activities online. Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) scripts have been implemented to support online learners. Collaboration scripts have shown much potential in facilitating students' general collaboration skills. However, reported effects of collaboration scripts on domain-specific knowledge acquisition have been less positive. In this paper, I suggest an alternative framework for supporting CSCL learners by combining collaboration scripting and online tutoring. While collaboration scripts can facilitate the acquisition of general collaboration skills, the online tutor is capable of monitoring and assessing small groups' progress and providing them with suitable content-specific prompts. The role of the online tutor is also important in terms of establishing social presence in the online learning environment. In order to develop the conceptual framework, I present experiences from an online collaborative learning course. I support the discussion by student insights collected through surveys and a focus group interview.