Assessing Team Learning in Technology-Mediated Collaboration: An Experimental Study

This study examined the effects of collaboration mode (collocated versus non-collocated videoconferencing-mediated) on team learning and team interaction quality in a team-based problem solving context. Situated learning theory and the theory of affordances are used to provide a framework that describes how technology-mediated collaboration affects both the technical/operational and social aspects of team-based problem solving. An empirical interpretive research approach using direct observation is used to interpret, evaluate and rate observable manifested behaviors and qualitative content (i.e., discussions) associated with team learning. The study's findings revealed that facilitation of coordinated discourse and team member contributions as well as maintenance of a positive social climate are essential to the realization of greater team learning and interaction quality. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of the study are also discussed.