Improving cognitive interaction through computational collaboration agents

Abstract

We propose that some of the knowledge management challenges incurred by computer-mediated collaboration be addressed by leveraging the computational resources inherent in that same collaboration to more directly serve it through Computational Collaboration Agents (CCAs). CCAs and the approach advocated here are motivated by the theory of Interactive Team Cognition which posits that team cognition can be observed in team interactions. CCAs observe and assess individual and collaborative events, analyse those events, interpret the analysis, and intervene as needed to improve collaboration. Because the CCAs are able to leverage events and actions that take place in the context of the collaboration technology, they have the advantage of operating in real-time without interfering with task performance.