Users' data: Collaborative and social analysis

Abstract

Interaction analysis has been used in computer-mediated settings for approximately two decades. Its main purpose has been to understand and identify the characteristics of electronic communication, collaboration and coordination. In recent years, however, its scope has expanded to include the support of students and teachers during online learning activities. This chapter documents the findings from three European projects that focused on this novel, supportive role for interaction analysis. Following the definition of interaction analysis indicators and their computation, the use of unified data formats and interfaces is considered as means for utilising tools and data beyond their original scope and settings. Finally, the issue of visualisation of analysis results is discussed. © 2009 Springer Netherlands.