Between Digital and Cognitive Spaces: An Exploration of Joint Attention and Knowledge Construction in Collaborative Learning

• In Event: Technological Advances in Learning Sciences Research on Science Learning

Abstract

This paper examines the interplay between joint attention on digital spaces and conceptual discussion during collaborative problem solving in an immersive astronomy simulation. Specifically, ordered network analysis was employed to investigate the connection and temporal sequencing of multimodal interaction features. Analyses of individual task-level and summary networks revealed distinct engagement patterns between low- and high-achieving groups. While both groups showed comparable early interactions, their patterns diverged over tasks. High-achieving students developed stronger connections between joint attention and knowledge construction during later complex activities. These results support the notion of timely joint attention and reveal underlying mechanisms of effective collaboration. This paper underscores the value of multimodal temporal analysis in providing insights into evolving collaborative dynamics with implications to facilitate collaboration.

Authors

• Yiqiu Zhou, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Jina Kang, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Yuanru Tan, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Robin Jephthah Rajarathinam, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign