The Roles of Representation in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning

Abstract

Representational learning is fundamental to CSCL. In this chapter, we consider four distinct roles that representations play as collaborators can: (1) interpret existing representations to create shared knowledge; (2) construct new joint representations based upon negotiation and shared understanding; (3) make representa-tional choices concerning how they or other agents in the collaboration are portrayed; and (4) use representations to express and analyze these activities and their outcomes. We show how this research draws upon multiple theoretical perspectives and attempt to look forward to consider where representational paradigms for CSCL may be going.