Frequently, the groupware experiments accomplished multiple, integrated pedagogical goals. In general, groupware and the Internet platform have become much more stable over the last four years. Of the discussion databases available on the web, those provided by Lotus Notes through its Domino server have proven superior. The versatility and stability of Lotus Notes databases provide a powerful work environment for student in many of our courses. On-line chat tools have proven less stable, and less useful.
Students exchange ideas, ask for on-line help, and engage in conflict.
On-line chat tools have proven less useful because they require simultaneous engagement and make it more difficult to document who said what when. In these experiments, students were required to build an Internet mall or a virtual university campus. In some experiments, there were very few restrictions and constraints, which made it easier for students and outsiders to engage in vandalism, destruction, and verbal conflict in the chat room. On the positive side, students helped one another and answered one another's technical questions, using the chat room. These experiments show that web-based groupware is valuable to faculty, students, and graduates.