Hi Mary!

Francoise Herrmann (fherrmann who-is-at igc.apc.org)
Wed, 22 Oct 1997 16:21:14 -0700 (PDT)

hi Mary, Welcome back!I have a great obervation protocol for
computer int interactions based on Leontiev's tasks, operations
and action model in AT. I would love for you to try it out too.
Here is how it goes..
1> You will have to derive your own operational categories of
computer use which should be really easy after working with
children/youth on a particular application.
2> For each operation that you have identified, rate the action on
one of three levels: Independent (I), Directed (D), or Modeled
(M). subdivide the second level (D) into sollicited direction
(SD) and volunteered direction (VD).
3> respond to sollicited direction with oral directions only (no
hands on). Volunteer directions when the user does not know what
the operation is. Do not model action unless your oral
directiosn do not work and/or user surrenders control of the
operation. Begin the session by an invitation to start working.
Between operations if necessary encourage the user to verbalize
his or her goal as the next step.

Example: Operation: Use of the computer, monitor and drive
itemimized as: Checking the wiring---- Turning the machine
on------ Turning the monitor on-------- Identifying correct
disquettes-------------- Manipulating diskettes
correctly------------ Inserting diskettes--------------- Booting
program---------------- Changing diskettes

For each of the operation rate the action according the levels
described above. Remeber that operations are not sequential. and
that there are operation in-betweens such as: What is the goal?
Knowing what to do next? and Knowing how to get what you want
done? all of which can be rated according to levels of action.

Francoise Francoise Herrmann fherrmann who-is-at igc.org
http://www.wenet.net/~herrmann

PS. You can also use Mike's scheme with two independant observers
of a learner's activity in the form of field notes which are used
to measure progress of learning. The coding scheme was missing
from my set of papers and reports referring to it, but Mike is
here and I'd love to hear how the behind the scenes work is done.