Newcomer Integration in Online Knowledge Communities: Exploring the Role of Dialogic Textual Complexity

Nicolae Nistor, Mihai Dascalu, Stefan Trausan-Matu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Article in proceedingAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Using online knowledge communities (OKCs) as informal learning environmentsposes the question how likely these will integrate newcomers as peripheral participants.Previous research has identified surface characteristics of the OKC dialog as integrativitypredictors. Yet, little is known about the role of dialogic textual complexity. This contributionproposes a comprehensive approach based on previously validated textual complexity indexesand applies it to predict OKC integrativity. The dialog analysis of N = 14 blogger communitieswith a total of 1937 participants identified three main components of textual complexity: dialogparticipation, structure and cohesion. From these, dialog cohesion was higher in integrativeOKCs, thus significantly predicting OKC integrativity. This result adds to previous OKCresearch by uncovering the depth of OKC discourse. For educational practice, the study suggestsa way of empowering learners by automatically assessing the integrativity of OKCs in whichthey may attempt to participate and access community knowledge.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication12th Int. Conf. of the Learning Sciences (ICLS 2016)
Subtitle of host publicationTransforming Learning, Empowering Learners
EditorsChee-Kit Looi, Joseph Polman, Ulrike Cress, Peter Reimann
PublisherInternational Society of the Learning Sciences
Pages914-917
ISBN (Print)978-0-9903550-9-0
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event12th International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS 2016) - Singapore, Singapore
Duration: 20 Jun 201624 Jun 2016
https://www.isls.org/icls/2016/

Conference

Conference12th International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS 2016)
Abbreviated titleICLS 2016
Country/TerritorySingapore
CitySingapore
Period20/06/1624/06/16
Internet address

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