Interactional Patterns in Face to face and Synchronous Computer mediated Communication in Problem based Learning Contexts

This study seeks to unfold interactional patterns of Thai EFL learners performing the problem solving tasks in face to face (FTF) and synchronous computer mediated (SCMC) contexts and explain to what extents that characteristics of each context contribute to learners’ interaction. Problem based learning was implemented as a scenario of the tasks due to its potentiality in bringing nature of learners’ interactions out into open. The participants in this study were divided into two groups. The first group discussed the problems in the FTF context where their verbal and non verbal languages were videotaped while the second group performed similar tasks in the SCMC context through Skype. Their conversations were automatically recorded by the program and later retrieved. The interview was conducted a week after the last discussion. The results revealed that the learners communicated through interactional patterns particular to the learning context. Furthermore, the properties of each context had influences on interactional stages, language use, and social interactions.