Facilitate the facilitator

Maarten de Laat, Marian Chamrada & Rupert Wegerif

Networked Learning Conference 2008

Argunaut

• Tool to support moderators

• Synchronous discussions (asynchronous)

• Graphical discussion space using Digalo/Freestyler

• Aim of the project: – moderate more than 1 synchronous

discussion at the same time

Digalo discussion space

Moderators Interface

Facilitate the facilitator

• Awareness indicators– Providing live feedback on student discussions

• Descriptive statistics – number / type of message• Social network analysis – user engagement/group relationships• Deep loop analysis – AI algorithms based on discourse analysis of

pedagogical events• Rule-based alerts• Replay

• Remote control– Providing interaction tools to moderate discussions

• Sending pop-up message to student(s)• Annotate student contributions• Highlight messages• Remote pointer

Awareness indicators

Remote Control

Moderators Interface

Digalo discussion space

Moderators Interface

Digalo discussion space

Moderators Interface

Digalo discussion space

User feedback

• Steep learning curve for moderators to use the system• Students like moderator involvement (though they felt a

bit ‘funny’ in the beginning (big brother))– Especially regarding general guidance

• 10 minutes• Move to the next phase• Use particular discussion shapes• Annotations

• Moderators were a bit late in their comments student discussion had moved on

• Need for space management using grid / clear pedagogical framework to guide student discussions