Implementing collaborative learning research in Web-based course design and management systems

The exponential increase in Web based distance learning environments for universities has spawned a parallel increase in Web course design and management systems (WCDMS). These systems appear to serve the needs of designers, professors, and administrators by simplifying the creation, delivery, and maintenance of Web based distance learning courses. However, a review of the best selling packages and courses implemented using them shows that they fall short of meeting some of the basic findings from research on learning. The paper presents one area of research collaborative learning that is frequently cited by the WCDMS as being supported by their products. The paper presents research on collaborative learning and methods for implementing them on the WCDMS and modifications to WCDMS are suggested.