Computer supported interaction analysis of group problem solving

Abstract

Collaboration is widely regarded as beneficial for learning. Collaboration is the mutual engagement of participants in a coordinated effort to solve a problem together. It has been conclusively argued that a focus on the process of collaboration is necessary in order to understand the value of working together with peers for learning. In accordance with the approach of open distributed learning environments (ODLEs), we have developed a framework system for computer-supported cooperative learning and working. This distributed shared workspace system is well suited for monitoring and assessing group interaction in co-located and distant scenarios. It provides adaptable mechanisms for the automated micro-analysis of processes of collaboration as well as for visualization and feedback. The system has been used in determining conflicts in focus setting as well as initiative shifts in aggregation and revision phases during a sample of collaborative sessions on puzzle problem solving.

A Qualitative Analysis of Collaborative Knowledge Construction Through Shared Representations

“…This analysis bears similarities to the analysis of reasoning in conversation in Resnick, et al (1993), but is designed to be applied to communication via a computer medium rather than spoken conversation and takes into account manipulations of visual representations as well as linguistic communication. The analysis was layered in a bottom-up manner similar to Mühlenbrock & Hoppe (1999), but conducted by a human analyst rather than automated. The layers of analysis included (1) a media-level of analysis that identifies individuals' literal actions in the media, (2) a referential level of analysis that identifies how these acts refer to, manipulate, or otherwise take up the products of previous acts, and (3) an intentional level of analysis that identifies phenomena of interest such as the accomplishment of argumentation and collaborative knowledge construction.…”

Predicting video-conferencing conversation outcomes based on modeling facial expression synchronization

“…Interactional synchrony refers to patterned and aligned interactions occurring over time [11]. In a synchronic interaction, nonverbal behaviors (e.g., facial expressions, posture, gesture) of the individuals are coordinated to the rhythms and forms of verbal expressions.…”

Automated coaching of collaboration based on workspace analysis: evaluation and implications for future learning environments

“…It would be advantageous to increase the repertoire of ways to provide automated support. One example is using action-based collaboration analysis [25], which monitors and analyzes moves of multiple users within a shared workspace. Another example is GRACILE [2] which gives help based on Vygostky's concept of the zone of proximal development.…”

“…This strategy should not be interpreted as a denial of the importance of these other knowledge sources. Our approach is close in spirit to the action-based analysis of Mühlenbrock & Hoppe [25], but differs in that we monitor individual work in both private workspaces and shared workspaces to identify conflicts.…”