Communal Database

The database is communal in the sense that multiple users create "nodes" consisting of either text or graphics, which are available to all users on the local area network (LAN). Nodes are labeled to indicate the type of information they contain and can be linked to each other to facilitate exploration of a theme or topic. In this way, class members collectively build a record of their investigations, findings, and reflections on the topic under study.

Because each student's nodes are available for other students to comment upon, the system encourages dialogue and an accumulation of knowledge. Because students have to label their nodes in order to be able to store and retrieve them, they come to appreciate the value of a precise, descriptive label.