Of scripts, roles, positions, and models

The analysis of emerging roles in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is of high relevance for a better understanding of the effects of learning in groups and is important for adapting the scripting of roles to the already existing role pattern(s). This commentary first reviews the individual contributions to this special issue and subsequently addresses three additional perspectives: (a) what are the characteristics of good collaboration in problem-solving and learning, and which roles, or patterns of roles, might have favourable effects in this regard? (b) besides scripting roles learners can be instructed to collaborate by providing them with a model of an exemplary collaboration. Are the effects comparable? (c) ultimately we want learners to use roles in a strategic way, and in concluding the commentary outlines how this aim is in line with the overarching goal of promoting the concept of human agency in learning.