Distributed Document Authoring for Location-Independent Collaborative Learning

Employing computer-supported collaborative learning for cooperative problem solving or as the basis for a shared learning environment regularly entails arbitrary restrictions and requirements for the participants. Frequent interruptions to the individual’s and the group’s workflow due to transitions between data type-specific applications, the manual synchronization of one’s work, or the prerequisite of a constant server connection are common examples. In this paper, we propose the utilization of a distributed compound document authoring environment to address these issues and apply a user-centric rather than the traditional, system-focussed perspective on computer-supported collaborative learning. This includes fine-granular, real-time management and assessment functionalities for the supervisor as well as a responsive, unobtrusive and feature-rich work environment for the participants.