Rainbow: A framework for analysing computer-mediated pedagogical debates

Abstract

In this paper we present a framework for analysing when and how students engage in a specific form of interactive knowledge elaboration in CSCL environments: broadening and deepening understanding of a space of debate. The framework is termed "Rainbow," as it comprises seven principal analytical categories, to each of which a colour is assigned, thus enabling informal visualisation by the analyst of the extent to which students are engaging in interaction relating to potential achievement of its pedagogical goal. The categories distinguish between activities that are part of the prescribed assignment and activities that are not, and between task-focused and non-task-focused activities. Activities focused on managing the interaction itself are distinguished from argumentative interaction. Notably, an operational definition of what it means to broaden and deepen understanding in this case is also provided here. The functional Rainbow analysis is Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (2007) 2:315-357

Social Conventions and Issues of Space for Distributed Collaboration

“…Our 'Transcript of Interaction' does not indicate the times of pauses in the talk, and our 'Characteristic of Action' clarifies the action more abstractly: Is the turn is an initiative (I) or a response (R), and which line (L) does it refers to? In addition we categorized each turn in line with the work of Baker et al [2,3]. The categories we use in this report are Social relation, Interaction management, and Task management.…”

“…The categories we use in this report are Social relation, Interaction management, and Task management. By social relation we mean interaction concerned with managing the social relations and verbalizing the situation (the latter is not included in [2,3]). Interaction management concerns the interaction itself: coordination, establishing contact, understanding, topic shifting etc.…”

Will Structuring the Collaboration of Students Improve Their Argumentation?

“…We analyzed the chat pro Rainbow [6] categories focu (statements used to increase & Deepen" (arguing and e discussing or concepts cent design (3) "Text Talk" to argumentative fashion. In o interactions, we compared control protocols of the Nov Collaboration of Students Improve Their Argumentation?…”

Scripting Discussions for Elaborative, Critical Interactions

“…Based on the Rainbow coding framework [1] we developed and validated a coding scheme with satisfactory result (κ = .76). We distinguished three levels of argumentative elaboration.…”