Designing Web 2.0 Collaboration Tools to Support Project-Based Learning: An Activity-Oriented Approach

Collaborative learning involves small groups of students working together to solve problems for the purpose of learning. There are a large number of researches that focus on the technical aspects of computer-mediated environments for collaborative learning. Very few studies have examined the design of Web 2.0 technologies to support collaborative learning using an activity-oriented approach. In this study, activity theory was used as a design framework for collaborative learning in a Web 2.0 environment using Google Applications technology. By employing an activity-oriented design method, a collaborative platform was developed to facilitate social learning activities that are mediated by artifacts and collaborative tools using Google Applications technology.