The Motivation is the Message: Comparing CSCL in Different Settings

In this paper, we attempt to draw comparisons between our research experiences of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning in the workplace, in schools and in universities. We present an outline description of our activities in each setting. As a possible contribution to foundational theory in CSCL, we focus on the crucial but complex issue of learner motivation. We argue that the dominant issues of motivation may vary from setting to setting but that CSCL can play an important role in engaging learner motivation in all settings. In particular, we consider the inauthenticity of most university education and consider how this might be addressed by CSCL.