Future collaborative learning technologies are characterized by the CSCL community as highly malleable and flexible. A promising approach for meeting these expectations is to use explicit models which parameterize a generic kernel for flexibly supporting different kinds of applications. This approach, followed by Omega+ generic CSCL kernel, raises major conceptual and methodological issues. This paper describes Omega+ approach and proposes a preliminary methodological process for supporting non-specialist teachers in charge of designing collaborative learning applications.