LoL Classroom: A Virtual University Classroom Based on Enhanced Chats

This paper presents a chat tool, called LoL classroom, which recreates the environment of a physical university classroom. The tool draws inspiration from the basic principles of constructivism and overcomes the main limitations of traditional chat rooms. We discuss the underlying teaching and interaction models, we outline the main features and we present the user interface of the tool. LoL classroom has been integrated in the LoL e-learning platform (Land of Learning, by MEC informatica) adopted in several online degree programs of the University of Urbino. The effectiveness of the tool has been demonstrated by the satisfaction of students and instructors revealed by questionnaires administered at the end of each academic year.