Using Epistemic Synchronization Index (ESI) to measure students' knowledge elaboration process in CSCL

• Published in: Computers and education Vol. 80; pp. 122 - 131
• Main Authors: Ding, Ning, Wei, Jieqiang, Wolfensberger, Marca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Collaborative virtual environments; Computer aided instruction; Content analysis; CSCL; Distance learning; Dynamic tests; Epistemic engagement; Knowledge elaboration; Sequential analysis; Students; Synchronism; Synchronization; Teachers; Knowledge elaboration; Sequential analysis; CSCL; Epistemic engagement; Content analysis
• ISSN: 0360-1315; 1873-782X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2014.08.004

Researchers in CSCL have used a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods to track students' cognitive involvement during collaboration. However, neither individual method suffices the need to capture the dynamic evolvement of students' epistemic engagement in CSCL. We developed Epistemic Synchronization Index (ESI) to quantify students' epistemic engagement and evolvement. ESI reveals the knowledge elaboration process of groups, and it helps researchers as well as teachers to distinguish epistemic involvement between members within one group. •This is a methodological exploration in terms of measuring students' epistemic engagement during CSCL.•The proposed method combines qualitative content analysis and sequential analysis of online text-based messages.•Using the equations, researchers arrive at an index number, ranging from 0 to 1, to quantify students' epistemic engagement.•Using this Epistemic Synchronization Index (ESI), researchers can distinguish members' knowledge evolvement within one group.