This document introduces a research project about students' learning of scientific concepts through organizing information and communicating in digital environments and extended classrooms. It discusses how learning activities designed with a knowledge-building approach and collaboratively by teachers can influence student communication in blended learning. The theoretical framework is socio-cultural perspectives and design-based research. The introduction of new technologies provides opportunities for new forms of collaboration and learning activities between teachers, students, and researchers. However, meaningful change requires innovations, not just new technologies.