Collaborative E-Learning Techniques: Learning Management Systems vs. Multi-User Virtual Environments

TL;DR: This chapter compares the potential of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) to facilitate the implementation of traditional face to face collaborative learning techniques in an online environment and discusses the benefits and challenges of an integrated approach.

Abstract: This chapter compares the potential of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) to facilitate the implementation of traditional face to face collaborative learning techniques in an online environment and discusses the benefits and challenges of an integrated approach. Initially, the chapter focuses on the application of collaborative learning techniques in traditional and computer supported didactical settings. Following this, the practice of utilizing LMSs in the contemporary educational process is analyzed, and the use of MUVEs in order to facilitate collaborative learning at a distance is subsequently presented. Ultimately, the chapter aims to clarify how the fruitful combination of these two technological approaches to the collaborative learning pedagogy can both diminish their weaknesses and amplify their strengths. For this reason, the final section of the chapter focuses on presenting an integrated approach, which merges two open source solutions: the popular LMS Moodle with the promising MUVE OpenSim.