A review of web‐based collaborative learning: factors beyond technology

Web‐based collaborative learning has a large potential for knowledge acquisition. However, it has different characteristics compared with conventional learning scenarios; especially with respect to the social communication situation, message exchange, cognitive load and participation of the learners. To cope with possible problems resulting from these characteristics suitable instructional means have to be considered, like collaborative learning methods, on‐line moderation, appropriate learning tasks or computer‐based visualisation tools.