Have a look at this 'experiment' being developed online by Bob Foster who is interested in developing collaborative learning over the Web. He's developed a number of mini-courses which visitors have read-only access to, around various aspects of management development. At this stage, the site would benefit from rather more help features about how to use it, and perhaps a print-off guide, but he's open to feedback about this form of Web-based learning.

Bob Foster adds the following explation:

"The title of our experiment is simply 'The Collaborative Learning
Experiment', and the plan is to run through the 4 phases described on
the website 3 or 4 times per year.

At the outset we establish some 'basic competencies' through email.

Then we engage in 'collaborative learning' focussed around a selection
of 'Mini Courses' which cover a wide range of topics, selected to be
of interest to the likely group of participants... (some topics are
also suggested by the participants)... As part of the registration
process... participants will have 'bid' for places on these Mini
Courses, using some 'virtual euros' that I have issued them all with.

A key aspect to the collaborative learning phase of the CLE appears to
be taking on the role of 'leader learner'... This has been a highly
beneficial experience for several previous participants.. and I see
that this experience, combined with the pre-course tasks are an
effective means of acquiring the skills necessary for cost effective
use of the internet for serious learning.

The discussions within thr Mini Courses take place in a specially
designed website based discussion forum.... and there are quite a few
new features of the forums which will hopefully be ready for CLE 3.

Some new topics which will be added the next time around will be:
- 'Assertiveness'/'Building up your confidence'..
... and another likely candidate for a Mini Course is:
- 'Build your own website'.

Thanks for your interest and I hope to see you replying in the
affirmative to the invitation that I will be sending out in early
April when CLE 3 will be starting up."

Bob Foster can be contacted at