Team Learning Systems as a Collaborative Technology for Rapid Knowledge Creation

This article reports on a new breed of tool that supports both higher-level thinking and, more importantly, human- to-human interaction in the form of team learning (Elliot, Findlay, Fitzgerald, & Forster, 2004; Findlay & Fitzgerald, 2006; Fitzgerald & Findlay, 2004). We argue that developing tools to support team learning is no longer merely desirable, but is now essential if humans are to productively engage with the increasing complexity and uncertainty that arises from accelerating technological and social change. The article begins by developing a case for the development of technological tools that support the collaborative creation of new knowledge. It then overviews the Zing team learning system (TLS) and reports on its development and use over the last 14 years. It concludes by identifying some of the emerging features of collaborative knowledge creation processes.