Refining collaborative learning strategies for reducing the technical requirements of web-based classroom management

When a web-based classroom teacher manages a web-based distance learning sy stem, there can be a substantial burden of preparation work. Although an in structor may use various tools to manage the web-based classroom, an instru ctor also needs a web site manager to help him/her use tools such as web pa ge access analysis. In fact, some of the more tedious work can be avoided b y using appropriate collaborative learning strategies. However, the feature s of a conventional web-based distance learning system cannot fully support the characteristics of collaborative learning strategies. To resolve this problem, a web-based classroom teacher can use advanced technology for mana ging learners' portfolios, controlling learning flow and constructing colla borative learning activities. Another feasible solution is that a teacher c an refine existing collaborative learning strategies for web features to re duce the requirements of the advanced technology. Furthermore, refining exi sting collaborative learning strategies can make it easier to implement the m in a web-based classroom. Although there are methodologies for constructi ng web-based collaborative learning systems, none specifically address the possibility of refining collaborative learning strategies to work with web features. This paper surveys some notable collaborative learning strategies as well as proposing guidelines and recommendations for how a web-based cl assroom teacher can refine those strategies for use in a web-based classroo m through our technical experience and perspective.