Beyond logging of fingertip actions: analysis of collaborative learning using multiple sources of data

Abstract. In this article we discuss key requirements for collecting behavioural data concerning technology-supported collaborative learning activities. It is argued that the common practice of analysis of computer generated logfiles of user interactions with software tools is not enough for building a thorough view of the activity. Instead more contextual information is needed to be captured in multiple media like video, audio files, snapshots, etc, in order to re-construct the learning process. A software environment (Collaborative Analysis Tool ColAT) that supports inter-relation of such resources in order to analyse the collected evidence and produce interpretative views of the activity is described. Keywords. Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, interaction analysis, logfilebased analysis, multiple data sources, activity theory. 1