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COLLABORATION: FACE TO FACE FROM ACROSS COUNTRY

Cristina Trebour

May 5, 2008

INTRODUCTION

There can be various approaches to numerous conceptual design problems. Depending on each individuals preferences, experiences, and level of knowledge they can be very different and perhaps even tremendously beneficial. From an individuals perspective who does not work inside the CSCL research community answers or suggestions to problems can become limited. They may not know all contributing factors CSCL researchers face. What an individual might pick up is the obvious problems. One obvious problem is global communication. How can people assess each other internationally? What methods would be used and problems could arise when and if in fact researchers come together from across borders by use of technologies? Will people be rudely interrupted or will there be “signals” to allow entrance into visual chats?

TASK #1

The first task would be one of bringing researchers together who share common interests who can expound upon each other. The idea here is to make sure that all researchers in the CSCL community can have access to collaborate amongst themselves freely to further their research. The problem is how can this occur with various time zones, languages, and scheduling.

PROPOSAL #1

One reasonable proposal for this problem would be to set up a notification system to allow all users who wish to participate in collaborative research with other researchers to sign up for notifications. An example of how this would be set up is much like how students in HCI 110 filled out a short survey as to what times they are available to meet, level of knowledge each individual possesses, and also the issues they would like to cover in their discussions. Once the information is put into the system, the system would pair up individuals according to times available (as well as locations throughout the globe). After each individual has been notified of fellow researchers available to collaborate with them then they will be able to view what issues each research is interested in covering in the collaborative discussions.

FIGURE #1: What a sample questionnaire might look like.

TASK #2

The second task is to allow the users of the system to enter the collaboration conversation causing little disturbance as possible. It would not be polite in any research setting to burst into a research discussion uninvited or obnoxiously. Researchers of the CSCL community, in this particular setting, may loose ideas, train of thought, or simply become upset when interrupted with any interference.

PROPOSAL #2

To prevent this from happening one possible proposal could allow for users to have a setting of whether or not they will be accepting interferences during their conference. Of course the idea here is collaboration; if the researchers can agree upon which setting they would like to chose, it would obviously be most successful for the chat to allow for incoming users to promote further research amongst many researchers; although it is still possible for researchers to want select privacy for a session or two.

FIGURE #2: An example of what the privacy selection window might look like.

TASK #3

In this system it could be possible for even one individual at home in a distant location to participate in a perhaps a meeting of some sort with other CSCL researchers. Maybe the individual wanted to attend but could not for various reasons or concerns so the best way to participate would be through this collaborative system.

PROPOSAL #3

It is important to think of others who may not be physically able to participate or have sufficient funds to travel so one proposal for these sort of situations is to possibly execute access to through the collaborative system for selected users based on criteria to enter into the meetings or conferencing. In order for ideas to grow and to spread all individuals should be aloud to participate with hopes of the most successful discussions and research. The immobile participant would be notified in advance of an event and through the system and then based on the participant’s response the members of the meeting or conference would have the system up and running waiting for their fellow researcher. In this way no matter where the individual is learning and collaboration between researchers could take place with voice and visual participation.

TASK #4

Various problems arise from time to time in any system, but what kinds of problems would arise in a visual based collaboration setting for CSCL researchers across the globe? One of the most likely issues would be language conflicts. Although English is widely used throughout the world, especially in the science and research communities, there may be researchers that can not speak English and would like to participate in the “face to face” collaboration chats to share and listen to ideas. What would this person do?

PROPOSAL #4

The most common method would be to have the system translate what is being said from the individual to the other researchers using the system in the specific video chat. However if it works in the best interest of the individual that does not share a common language to use English and to disregard the translation system then they are free to choose so. This system could be complex enough to translate from one language to the next to then another language holding the same value as when first originally stated. It would be encouraged the English be used, but to prevent inert growth and collaboration other languages may be selected.

FIGURE #3: Example of what a language selection box might look like in the system.

TASK # 5

Developing a code of conduct in this system would have to develop if not immediately, then gradually, but it is obvious that people must act in a respectful way as to not offend anyone especially those on an international scale. It would be a warning to all users to be aware of the cultures and customs of all users in the group in which they participate. It would not be easily forgotten that each member of the CSCL community each hold valuable ideas and should all be treated with respect. Maintaining close ties and building a tight knit community of researchers would make for an excellent way to build up the progress.

PROPOSAL #5

In order for this code of conduct to be put into effect the users of this visual CSCL international community must adhere to all users with respect. If there ever is a problem between users of the system then each participant in the conflict would be asked to respectfully solve the issue amongst them in a professional manner and if this is not executed within 24 hours all participants involved will be removed from the system. Conflict amongst users would not encourage promotion of the research, but aide in making it stagnant.

FIGURE #4: An example of what a warning sign that might appear before the user enters a visual chat.

BENEFITS OF THE “FACE TO FACE” DESGIN FOR CSCL RESEARCHERS

There are many benefits to using typed chat for collaboration such as in the VMT settings as HCI has portrayed through various group projects. People have come together and expounded upon each others ideas and have formulated many interesting facts and summaries contributing to the CSCL community, but for the purpose of CSCL research community’s video chat would be more appropriate on a professional researcher level. Getting to know the fellow colleagues by face, voice, and expressions would add to the collaboration process. Easy access to information just as if you were in the same room as another person would spark interests and discussions. Some may say that perhaps there are researchers in the community that are shy and introverts, but this could be a tool in aiding those with poor social interaction in the community and even grow to build close friendships.

CONCLUSION

With all the different methods proposals and conclusions in this array of collaborative research the problem exists that (which has been expressed in HCI 110 classes) the CSCL researchers often do not work collaboratively on discussing issues of collaboration. Why not use various methods of collaboration as personal experiments within specific groups. With this “face to face” video designed chat allowing users to reach beyond their current locations to communicate live and effectively with other researchers when it is convenient for them is a valuable asset and could greatly aide in the expansion of ideas and conclusions when searching for new methods that work and work best.