Analyzing peer interactions in computer-supported collaborative learning: Model, method and tool

Abstract

One of the most important facets in CSCL research is the interaction between individual and collaborative learning activities. This paper proposes a holistic and complementary analysis model of the collaborative interactions base on three dimensions - process pattern, social relationship and topic space. By making use of content analysis, social network analysis and text mining technologies, asynchronous discussion transcripts are semi-automatically processed to address the questions concerned with peer interactions in collaborative learning: what are they talking about, who are talking to whom, and how do they talking with others. An integrated tool with comprehensive functionalities is designed and implemented to support collaborative interaction analysis with intelligence and visualization features. With the assistance of the tool, a case study is conducted to analyze the discussion records of a class composed of 18 graduate students who enrolled in a course along with online discussion in knowledge forum platform. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.