Examining an Online Collaboration Learning Environment with the Dual Eye-Tracking Paradigm: The Case of Virtual Math Teams

摘要

The aim of this study is to investigate the computer supported collaborative problem solving processes using the dual eye-tracking method. 18 university students participated in this study, and 9 pairs tried to solve 10 geometry problems using Virtual Math Team (VMT) online environment. Which situations the participants' eye movements, and eye gazes overlap, and how usability of VMT environment affect the problem solving processes are tried to identify. After experiments with two eye-trackers, a questionnaire including System Usability Scale and open-ended questions was filled by participants. Eye-tracker data were analyzed both quantitatively using cross-recurrence analysis, and qualitatively using interaction analysis. Analysis of eye-tracker data and open-ended questions are consistent, and support to each other. Results show that pairs collaborating with higher level have more gazes overlapping, more shared understanding, and anticipatory gazes than pairs having with low level. Also, usability of the system and awareness tools affect the collaboration processes.