Inter-Animation between Utterances in Collaborative Chat Conversations

2013 ◽  
pp. 63-93
Author(s):  
Traian Rebedea ◽  
Stefan Trausan-Matu ◽  
Costin Chiru
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Collaborative Discourse ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Discussion Threads ◽  
New Type

With the wide adoption of instant messaging, online discussion forums, blogs and social networks, online communication has shifted from narration to highly collaborative discussions with multiple authors and discussion threads. However, the theories and methodologies for analyzing this new type of discourse which is different from narration, but also from dialogue, have remained mostly the same. The authors propose a new method for the analysis of this type of discourse, designed especially for multi-party chat conversations where parallel discussion floors and threads exist at the same time. The theoretical underpinning of the inter-animation framework is the detection of links between utterances in order to build a conversation graph that may be used to discover the discussion threads. The framework has been used for analyzing chat conversations of students in Computer Science in order to assess the involvement of each student, the inter-animation of the conversation and the degree of collaborative discourse.

Excuse my poor English: language management in English-language online discussion forums

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 (232) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Švelch
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Language Management ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Online Discussion Forums

AbstractUsing the framework of Language Management Theory (LMT), this article seeks to analyze the ways in which non-native speakers negotiate their position in English-language online discussion forums. Based on the material collected from four discussion forums, competing opinions have been identified regarding the acceptability of “bad English” and the need for language management, i.e. acting upon a perceived lack of compliance to linguistic norms. Some users propose that compliance to communication norms should be enforced in a top-down manner or based on an explicit set of rules, whereas others hold that the community of users can deal with potential communication problems individually in an emergent manner. While the applicability of native speaker norms to the discussion forums is being questioned, non-native speakers, especially in practically oriented forums, tend to perform pre-interaction language management, using disclaimers in their posts, such as “Excuse my poor English”, to avoid potential misunderstandings and to prevent native speaker norms from being applied to them. The article argues for the use of LMT in computer mediated communication research, as it offers a dynamic view of the process in which rules, conventions and norms of online communication are being continuously discussed, negotiated and applied.

scholarly journals Game learning analytics of instant messaging and online discussion forums in higher education

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Beatriz Hernández-Lara ◽  
Alexandre Perera-Lluna ◽  
Enric Serradell-López
Keyword(s):  
Text Mining ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Learning Analytics ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Communication Patterns ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Discussion Forums

PurposeWith the growth of digital education, students increasingly interact in a variety of ways. The potential effects of these interactions on their learning process are not fully understood and the outcomes may depend on the tool used. This study explores the communication patterns and learning effectiveness developed by students using two basic synchronous and asynchronous communication tools in e-learning environments, specifically business simulation games.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct a quasi-experiment research with 478 online business students, 267 of whom used online discussion forums and 211 interacted via an instant messaging app. The application of learning analytics and text mining on natural language processing allows us to explore the student communication patterns with each of tools and their effectiveness in terms of learning.FindingsThe results confirm the complementarity of the communication tools, asynchronous tools being especially the suitable for task-related communication and synchronous ones for speeding up and facilitating student social interactions.Originality/valueThe main value of this research lies in the use of data analytics and text mining to access and analyse the content of student interactions to assess the learning process in greater depth, comparing synchronous and asynchronous learning modes, considering that little is known about the impact of online synchronous interaction or instant messaging, and even less about the different features, content and performance that emerge when these two learner interaction modalities are compared.

scholarly journals Online forum users’ views and experiences of managing irritable bowel syndrome: a qualitative analysis of discussion content

BJGP Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. bjgpopen20X101084
Author(s):  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Hannah Clarke ◽  
Nick Chen ◽  
Hazel Everitt
Keyword(s):  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forum ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forum ◽  
Discussion Threads ◽  
Irritable Bowel

BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common and often negatively affects quality of life. Patients frequently perceive medical interventions as inadequate and seek support from other sources, including online discussion forums.AimTo explore online discussion forum topics posted by people with IBS.Design & settingA qualitative study exploring three UK-based online discussion forums.MethodA scoping review identified UK-based discussion forums with high activity and frequent use, which did not require a password/registration to view posts (two IBS-specific and one general health forum). Internal search functions were used to identify and export relevant discussion threads relating to managing IBS. Inductive thematic analysis of exported discussions was undertaken.ResultsAnalysis identified two main overarching themes from 122 relevant discussion threads: 1) sharing information and practical advice about lifestyle changes; and 2) receiving emotional support. The most prevalent topics were lifestyle changes, including diet, using oral preparations (for example, supplements or probiotics), and physical activity. Dietary changes were usually considered positive, and most hopeful for potentially alleviating symptoms. Emotional support was also regularly offered with expressions of empathy, kindness, and gratitude, and a sense of users feeling less alone. Some discussions raised concern around potentially inappropriate symptomatic reassurance, and negative or conflicting advice.ConclusionOnline forums seem, generally, to be a positive experience for those posting, but include potential risks of misinformation. Most posts focus on symptomatic relief through lifestyle change and/or emotional support. Clinicians could gain a better understanding of patients’ ideas, concerns, and expectations of IBS diagnosis and management by asking about patient-acquired online forum information.

scholarly journals An Empirical Analysis of Formality in Online Communication

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 61-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellie Pavlick ◽  
Joel Tetreault
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Statistical Model ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums

This paper presents an empirical study of linguistic formality. We perform an analysis of humans’ perceptions of formality in four different genres. These findings are used to develop a statistical model for predicting formality, which is evaluated under different feature settings and genres. We apply our model to an investigation of formality in online discussion forums, and present findings consistent with theories of formality and linguistic coordination.

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