This paper presents a framework to help educators and designers improve their design, experiences and management of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL). With increasing interest in this subject, a number of aspects (dimensions) related to both learning and the use of technology arise. How these aspects can be addressed in an integrated, comprehensive and inclusive way is a key challenge for CSCL. Using the idea of CSCL as a system, we relate a number of aspects in CSCL through a framework that aims to support future development and research. The paper concludes with implications on how to continue improving CSCL with the help of systems-oriented thinking.