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