Susan Finger, Dana Gelman, Anne Fay, and Michael Szczerban
Civil & Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
E-mail: sfinger@andrew.cmu.edu

Abstract:
Through an iterative, user-centered design process, we are designing and building computer-based tools to support students learning through collaboration. We have been conducting empirical studies to evaluate the usability of the tools and how they contribute to student learning. Our goal was to design tools that would support the processes of knowledge co-construction and reflection. Co-construction is the successful activity of knowledge building and problem solving between individuals. Reflection and discussion promote critical thinking. This paper reviews the iterative design and development process of these tools.