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Learning is an integral part of the human life and occurs from birth to life long. Learning refers to the process of acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, behaviours, skills and values and it may also involve synthesizing different types of information (Phillips et al., 2010). Traditional learning pedagogy is limited within the classroom boundary with limited student’s participation. It is also restricted by time and place limitations (Lehtinen et al., 1999). The learning process traditionally is managed, governed and controlled by teachers in the classroom, whereas the student is a passive receiver. Various educationists and pedagogy experts favoured the student participation in learning process during classroom activities (Naidu, 2006; Felder & Silverman, 1988), advocating a shift in the teaching – learning pedagogy.
Learning framework can be broadly categorised as: Cognitivism, Behaviourism and Constructivism. Human cognitivism is focused on the acquisition of knowledge (Greeno, 1980), whereas behaviourism focuses on observable aspects of learning (Smith & Ragan, 1999). Constructivist theory on the other hand focuses on activity –based approach to construct new ideas or concepts (Smith & Ragan, 1999). According to Froebel (Froebel quoted in Palmer, 2002), self-activity helps to exercise and develop intellectual powers and knowledge. Wenger (2000) also points out that learning is interplay between social competence and personal experience. Heidegger (quoted in Palmer, 2001) viewed learning as a demanding and participatory affair with active engagement of learner. This favours the learning approach of Kagan (1994) to organize classroom activities into academic and social learning experiences. According to Kagan, students can learn with face to face interaction, individual and in group for knowledge building. This method supports the group learning in academic environment with higher level thinking and improved social skills. In group learning communication is more powerful when participation of individuals is more active (Freire in Nyirendra, 1996). Johnson et al. (2009) have also described the individual growth of human in dynamics of group. The idea can be utilized in education where teachers and students can co-participate in active dialogue in higher education. For active participation and communication of learners in an activity, some tool mediation will play an important role for flow of ideas (Vygotsky, 1978). Computer as a mediation tool will provide great benefits for communication and participation for teachers and students in the academic environment. Various researchers and academicians have explored the computer supported activity in sharing the experience and knowledge in social environment (Mwanza, 2001; Sweeney & Baggo, 2004). According to Bruner (1966 quoted in Hymas, 1974), computing network facilitates learning for constructing knowledge by students. Computer supported teaching tool provides interaction via text, chat, audio or video real time communication (Stuckey & Barab quoted in Andrews & Haythornthwaite, 2007). It also provides contributions of students, in collaborative learning and exchange of ideas with peers (Koschmann et al., 1996). Collaborative learning moves the learning process beyond the classroom boundary (Abel, 2009). Collaborative learning environment facilitates teachers and students, who are geographically situated on or off campus via online discussion, face to face lectures and other blended learning modes (Kazmer, 2007). For structuring the collaboration in online mode, technological aspects become very much important. Digital tools will support the technological perspective in designing the online collaborative learning environment.