Creating context

One of the biggest challenges in helping students learn via CSCL is embedding their work in appropriate social contexts and helping create a culture of inquiry and collaboration. This article describes how design-based research allowed the deliberate evolution of a set of tools and practices to help students collaborate effectively. The SpeakEasy, one of the earliest Web-based discussion boards, was evolved from prior discussion tools, adapted to an Internet-based science learning environment, and evolved to work with both online and offline classroom projects and practices. Research conducted as part of the evolution shows how social cues can be used to help students develop an integrated understanding of science. Implications for the design of socio-technical systems are discussed.