What is coordination theory and how can it help design cooperative work systems?
CSCW '90 Proceedings of the 1990 ACM conference on Computer-supported cooperative work
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This paper describes coordination dynamics in computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) based chat logs. We developed a coding scheme for coordination processes containing 25 different coding categories, and used it to analyze chat data gathered in a semester-long education course. In general, we found a high level of coordination throughout the chat logs. The level of goal-related coordination (goal-related vs. not goal-related) varied extensively, depending on the specific task type. Based on an initial process analysis, a time pattern with regard to coordination levels was identified. We surmised that the amount of goal-related coordination and the point in time in which it occurs might play a role in coordination behavior. However, strong intra- and interindividual differences prevented us from detecting a distinct coordination pattern by numerical means over time. We conclude by proposing an extension of our analysis across media type and task type to detect coordination patterns relevant for collaborative learning.