A computer-supported cooperative problem solving environment for examining communication effectiveness

The authors' long term goal is to improve computer-supported cooperative problem solving. In order to address this problem, a prototype interface that is designed to investigate effective group problem solving skills has been built. The special interface is based on a communication competency model which assumes that group effectiveness depends upon the performance of competencies (or skills) that aid groups in solving problems. Five task-achievement competencies are selected: establishment of operating procedures; analysis of the group problem; establishment of criteria; generation of alternative solutions; and evaluation of solutions. Special online tools are built to support and correspond to each of the communication competencies. From the authors' study of successful vs. unsuccessful groups using the interface, it is found that effective computer-supported cooperative problem solving is positively related to the use of some of the online tools.< >