BSCL is an extension of the BSCW (Basic Support for Collaborative Work) Web-based groupware tool developed by FIT. Modifications and extensions of functions and interfaces adapt the BSCW software to collaborative knowledge building in classrooms. This includes functions to create personal, group and course learning places and to register users in them with specific roles. It also includes the knowledge building interface and sets of thinking types.

The default structure of Synergeia provides a network of virtual learning places that are set up for personal, group and course uses.

Knowledge building proceeds mainly through discussions. Therefore, each personal, group and course automatically contains a threaded discussion component called a "knowledge building area".

Discussion within the knowledge building areas is scaffolded with a set of thinking type categories assigned to the notes. Before users can add a note, they have to decide what category of note they want to add to the existing discussion.