Analyzing Collaborative Learning Interactions in Shared Workspaces

In eLearning, shared workspace systems with structured graphical representation provide new functions for jointly constructing problem solutions. Tracking the workspace activity and analyzing the group interaction provides information for intelligent support and to stimulate self-reflection. 1. Collaborative learning in shared workspaces In recent years, shared workspace systems have been an active area of research and development in computer-supported collaborative learning. A particular type of shared workspace systems provides graph-oriented visual representations for synchronous interaction, which are well suited for co-constructive activities. This type of systems is used in face-to-face settings as well as in distant settings with additional communication means such as chat tools or video conferencing systems. A learning situation is promoted by the provision of problem-related workspace material that has a potential for stimulating discussions and supports the objectification of inherent problem structures. This means that in collaborative learning, the activity is joint problem solving, and learning is expected to occur as a side effect (Roschelle and Teasley, 1995). Figure 1 – Shared workspace application CardBoard The application CardBoard is a generic shared workspace system that features two-dimensional visua