Computer-supported collaborative learning (also referred to as CSCL) is a relatively new branch for education. It explores people’s ability to learn together with the assistance of computer technologies. The concept seems simple, but actually, it is rather complex. It includes distance learning, collaborative interactions of the students and the use of computers as mediators. In the contemporary world with its rapid technological progress, computer-supported collaborative learning is an excellent way to improve education with the help of innovative technologies and integrate it into the modern life where the use of computers is an essential activity.
Computer-supported collaborative learning stands out because it relies on the independent interaction of the learners, which enforces active learning and facilitates a constructivist environment. CSCL assumes an alternative role for the teacher who is not expected to monitor the actions of the learners, but to provide guidance when students need it and start asking questions. The importance of CSCL lies in its emphasis on collaboration and group work, where thinking and decision making are done together. This way, the groups of learners acquire collective knowledge through participation in the combined working process.
Computer-supported collaborative learning may be used as the main teaching strategy when distance courses are implemented. Besides, CSCL may be employed as a part of the teaching strategy for specific assignments or homework, for example. CSCL is an excellent tool to deliver a group activity and facilitate active learning without the teacher’s supervision. This way, CSCL can be used several times within a curriculum for specific collaborative projects such as group reports, online investigations, scavenger hunt, and brainstorming of new ideas.