Effective Participation and Discourse through a Computer Network: Investigating Elementary Students' Computer Supported Interaction

Abstract

In this study we analyzed and described how students and teacher of one Finnish elementary class participated in and communicated through CSILE (Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment) during the years 1997–1998. To this end, we examined the density of the interaction within class, students' participation rates, students' position in the CSILE mediated network of interaction, and the quality of their discourse. The data consisted of CSILE log files and students' written productions from the CSILE database. Social network analysis and qualitative content analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the density of interaction among participants was rather high, and all the students used CSILE to some extent. There were, however, substantial differences in the students' participation rates. The results also indicated that one student occupied a central position, and two students an isolated position in the CSILE mediated interaction. The study further revealed that the CSILE mediated discussion was composed of number of short discussion threads. The culture of CSILE mediated discourse and collaboration can be defined as follows; on topic, neutral, and providing information to others' comments or questions.