Synchronous and Asynchronous Collaboration : A Program of Research TR 90-024 May , 1990

Our work in CSCW encompasses both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous forms of collaboration. For synchronous collaborations, we have demonstrated visual workspaces, shared remotely, to support both document editing on character-mode displays and execution of graphic primitives on bit-mapped displays. We have developed for operating systems a number of extensions to enhance their support for synchronous collaboration. We have also initiated related research in cognitive modes for both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration. Our results provide a coherent framework in which to build a theory of cooperative intellectual work. We have applied the results of that theory to designing system development tools to support different CSCW applications, as well as methods and tools for analyzing groups working with our systems. In conjunction with the research on shared visual workspaces, the theory also provides a framework for integrating a broad research program in CSCW.