Collecting and Analyzing Interaction Data in Computer-Based Group Learning Discussions: An overview

This paper provides an overview of the dynamics underlying the process of collecting and analyzing raw data from collaborative learning activities. It is based on the research background which the implementation of DIAS relied upon; a system aiming at supporting asynchronous discussions’ participants on an awareness and metacognition level via visualized interaction analysis indicators. Open questions from the CSCW field are used as a guideline for selecting the appropriate data to collect. The Information Visualization field provides ideas for successfully presenting information obtained by applying Interaction Analysis methods on these data. Through simple examples, we try to demonstrate how such attempts may lead to powerful analysis tools, with cognitive and metacognitive extensions.