E-learning standards as a basis for contextual forums design

This article argues that linking communication to learning activities offers an interesting approach to develop the efficiency of learning management systems in facilitating and increasing discussions between students. We propose, present and elaborate a forum model that is based on two special features: a contextual view and forum structures. The contextual view of the forum, which is always visible, allows the user to focus on pertinent discussions. Two kinds of forum structures are offered: a content structure and a cognitive structure. In this paper, we discuss the use of some e-learning standards as a basis for the design of the contextual forum tool. The description of the conceptual framework for online communications and the computing implementation aims at giving researchers some possible uses and recommendations in dealing with context-sensitive communication tools.