Toward a Conversation System Modeling Research Methodology for Studying Computer-Mediated Learning Communities

The purpose of this article is to examine methodological challenges in the study of computer-mediated learning communities and propose strategies for advancing research methodology. Two major methodological issues are addressed. First, there is a growing concern for researchers to address a broader range of social, political, and cultural factors when studying computer-mediated learning communities. A second and related problem concerns challenges about the measurement of learning processes and interactions in computer-mediated learning communities. Advances in second-order cybernetics (Krippendorff, 1991, 1994) and language pragmatics (Searle, 1969) are explored in relation to research methodology requirements for studying computer-mediated learning communities. A conversational system modeling (CSM) strategy is offered as a guide for researchers studying computer-mediated learning communities. The assumption is that learning communities are embedded in complex conversations and sociopolitical and sociocultural influences that must be addressed by research on CMC learning environments.