THE ROLE OF CONTEXT FREE COLLABORATION DESIGN PATTERNS IN LEARNING DESIGN WITHIN LAMS: LESSONS LEARNED FROM AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

This study presents an experiment aimed at the design of short learning courses in the context of LAMS, using a number of specific context-free collaboration design patterns implemented within LAMS. In fact, 25 Prospective Computer Engineers (PCEs) participated in this experiment. The analysis of the data shows that PCEs fully used these context free collaboration patterns - mostly realized in combination - and designed interesting sequences of learning activities. PCEs also used most of the tools provided within LAMS. However, PCEs were presented with difficulties in integrating collaboration strategies with thinking dimensions in terms of communication, decision making, concept formation, problem solving and inquiry based learning.