Computer-mediated interaction: Using discourse maps to represent multi-party, multi-topic asynchronous discussions

Author(s):  
Tharrenos Bratitsis ◽  
Marina Kandroudi

This chapter builds upon a previously published study in the International Journal of eCollaboration regarding the exploitation of asynchronous discussions in Primary Education. The originating point of reference was the fact that Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) tools are being exploited in various sectors, including education. Especially in education, numerous studies can be found in the literature, spanning the past 30 years. Most of these studies concern adult learners in tertiary and continuing education. In addition, approaches regarding secondary education have arisen in the past 10-15 years. Where Primary Education is concerned, only a few CMC-based research applications can exist. This chapter presents all these studies in an attempt to highlight the dynamics of CMC in Primary Education. As established in the literature, communication is directly connected to argumentation, thinking, and consequently, to learning. Moreover, a detailed research study is presented, serving as an example of educational design in Primary School settings, fully utilizing CMC, asynchronous discussions in particular.


Author(s):  
David Weibel ◽  
Daniel Stricker ◽  
Bartholomäus Wissmath ◽  
Fred W. Mast

Like in the real world, the first impression a person leaves in a computer-mediated environment depends on his or her online appearance. The present study manipulates an avatar’s pupil size, eyeblink frequency, and the viewing angle to investigate whether nonverbal visual characteristics are responsible for the impression made. We assessed how participants (N = 56) evaluate these avatars in terms of different attributes. The findings show that avatars with large pupils and slow eye blink frequency are perceived as more sociable and more attractive. Compared to avatars seen in full frontal view or from above, avatars seen from below were rated as most sociable, self-confident, and attractive. Moreover, avatars’ pupil size and eyeblink frequency escape the viewer’s conscious perception but still influence how people evaluate them. The findings have wide-ranging applied implications for avatar design.


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