A new direction for log file analysis in CSCL: experiences with a spatio-temporal metric

This paper discusses the importance and difficulties of assessing interaction between students. To ease the detection of interaction in student groups, a metric is developed that can measure the level of interaction based on log file data. The metric is based on a spatial model and detects actions that take place in close spatial or temporal proximity. After providing a formal definition of the metric, an exploratory analysis of interaction in two different settings is reported to determine the feasibility of the measure: synchronous interaction in a collaborative puzzle game and asynchronous interaction in student groups that use the BSCW shared workspace system.

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