A Methodological Quest for Studying Interactions in Advanced Video Conferencing Environments

The paper describes the development of a new methodological approach to the study of the features enabling the simulation of face-to-face (FTF) interactions using Advanced Video Conferencing (AVC) technologies. The methodology is based on the notion of Grounded Theory and utilises the study of users of the technology for discovering the criteria needed for the investigation of AVC as simulating FTF. The methodology enabled the development of an informed scheme of criteria which will be used in customising an annotation system suitable for the study of AVC interactions. The paper illustrates initial experimentations with various existing annotation systems in a search for further exploring the needs outlined by the methodology. The paper describes the implementation of the new methodology in a New Zealand based case study which investigated the reasons underpinning uptake of the technology across nationally dispersed research staff and students.

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