A new method for analyzing patterns of interaction

Abstract

This case study examined a new method for analyzing patterns of interaction in face‐to‐face and asynchronous computer‐mediated classrooms. Using software and a coding system developed by the author, the text of all spoken and written discourse was analyzed from four face‐to‐face (FTF) courses and two courses taught via computer‐mediated communication (CMC). The results indicated that the interaction patterns in the computer‐mediated courses resembled discussion, whereas the patterns in the FTF courses resembled recitation. In addition, problems with comparing synchronous FTF courses and asynchronous CMC are examined.