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Computer supported collaborative learning and vocational training: adapting the technology to the learners’ needs

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Abstract

The aim of the ECODESIGN project was the development of a course in sustainable product design. The target group are employees in the areas of product design, marketing or similar areas. Some learners from this target group have a low computer literacy and are, therefore, reluctant to use advanced forms of electronic communication. Collaborative learning has to be designed according to the learners’ needs, taking into account that many participants of the ECODESIGN course have to get used to electronic communication. Despite this problem, a community of practice seems to result from the ECODESIGN course. Active tutoring was especially important to motivate learners and to constitute the community of practice.

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Acknowledgments

The project “eLearning Kurs zu umweltgerechter Produktgestaltung/ECODESIGN” was financed by the European Social Fund (esf) and the Austrian Federal Ministry for Education, Science, and Culture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Design and Assessment of Technology, Vienna University of Technology, 1040, Vienna, Austria

    Margit Pohl, Markus Rester & Kerstin Stöckelmayr

  2. Extension Centre, E-learning Centre, Vienna University of Technology, 1040, Vienna, Austria

    Jutta Jerlich, Franz Reichl & Eva Obermüller

  3. Institute of Engineering Design and Logistics Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, 1060, Vienna, Austria

    Peter Judmaier

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  1. Margit Pohl
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  2. Markus Rester
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  3. Kerstin Stöckelmayr
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  4. Jutta Jerlich
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  6. Franz Reichl
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  7. Eva Obermüller
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Correspondence to Margit Pohl.

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Pohl, M., Rester, M., Stöckelmayr, K. et al. Computer supported collaborative learning and vocational training: adapting the technology to the learners’ needs. Univ Access Inf Soc 7, 259–272 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-008-0119-y

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