Towards a model of optimal constructivist/collaborative online learning environments: A Delphi poll

Experts were polled in the area of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) research to determine components of an optimal con structivist/collaborative online learning environment. One hundred seventy-seven panelists were asked to participate. Eighteen panelists responded contributing 93 components. They were then asked to rate these components on a scale of 0--7. Thirteen panelists responded. The components were then ranked according to average score. The top ten ranking components were calculated. The "Most Popular" components rated "S" or better, were determined by majority. A third round seeking a consensus was attempted.; The problem. The purpose of this study was to determine components of an optimal constructivist/collaborative online learning environment.; Method. In this study, a Delphi Poll was utilized. The individual responses remained anonymous; however, a list of the panelists' names and their institutions appeared on the questionnaires. The procedures used in this study were successive rounds of a questionnaire. The first round asked for five components of an optimal constructivist/collaborative online learning environment. Round two asked the panelists to rate the 93 components resulting from round one on a scale of 0--7. Round three attempted a consensus of the "most Popular" components. The rounds were sent and received via e-mail.; Results. Two types of results were generated from the data. First, each statement rating was averaged. These ratings were then ranked in order from highest to lowest. The highest average rating received a score of 6. Second, "Most Popular" components rated "5" or better, were determined by majority.