1. CEN3722 Human Computer Interaction Computer Supported Cooperative Work
Dr. Ron Eaglin

2. Objectives
Define the term computer-supported cooperative work and groupware
Describe reasons for the creation and proliferation of groupware
Classify various types of groupware based on function and use
Different/same time
Different/same place

3. Objectives
Describe different users and functions of groupware including:
Complementary partners
Lecture or demonstration
Necessary partners
Conference
Directed conference
Structured work process
Electronic classroom or meeting room

4. Objectives Describe considerations in design of groupware
Describe possible sources resistance to groupware
Describe organizational issues

5. CSCW: Groupware Groupware is a combination of:
hardware and software that provide systems to enhance:
co-operative work
support distributed teams
access to shared information, and to
transfer information between individuals and groups.

6. CSCW Technology CSCW is based on technology which is now mature:
affordable desktop computers
increased availability of network access
expanding communications bandwidth
shared information systems

7. Classifications Same Time Different Time Same Place Face-to-face
Conference
Classroom
Asynchronous
Message Board
Leave message
Different Place
Synchronous Distributed
Telephone
Skype/Adobe Connect/Netmeeting
Chat
Mail/
Discussion boards (electronic)
Voice mail

8. Functions Communication - helps people share information
Coordination - helps people coordinate their individual roles with each other
Collaboration – helps multiple people work together
Lets them share knowledge and expertise
Automates group activities
Helps create an organisational memory
Overcomes challenges of geography and time

9. Necessary Partners
Cooperation between two users who need each other to complete a task: Examples:
Joint authors of a technical report,
Two pathologists consulting about a cancer patient,
Programmers trying to debug a program together,
An astronaut and ground controller trying to repair a faulty satellite.
Often, there is some electronic document or image to ‘conference over’.

10. Lecture or Demonstration
One person shares information with many users at remote sites.
Time is scheduled for all, questions may be asked by the recipients.
No history is required, but replay may be possible at a later time.

11. Conference
Group participation at the same time or spread out over time, but distributed in space.
Many-to-many messaging may be used, with a record of previous conversations:
Examples:
A scientific meeting program committee might discuss the plans for an upcoming event,
A group of students might discuss the most recent class examination.

12. Directed Conference
A leader has a goal and supervises the online discussion:
A teacher runs a virtual classroom,
A project leader coordinates the completion of a report, or a manager directs a team of salespeople.

13. Structured Work Process
A set of people with distinct roles who cooperate on some task:
A scientific journal editor arranges online submission, reviewing, revisions, and publication;
A health insurance agency receives, reviews, and reimburses or rejects medical bills;
A university admissions committee registers, reviews, chooses, and informs high-school applicants.

14. Electronic Classroom or Meeting
A face-to-face meeting with each user working at a computer and making simultaneous contributions.
Shared and private windows, plus large screen projector, enable simultaneous shared comments and may be anonymous.
Anonymity not only encourages shy participants to speak up, but also allows forceful leaders to accept novel suggestions without ego conflicts.

15. Design Considerations
Acceptance of a CSCW depends upon competing alternatives
Existing conventions and methods humans work together provides a lot of ideas for CSCW interface design.
Users will evolve conventions for use of CSCW systems if they are committed to use of a system.

16. CSCW Design Considerations
Task background.
When people using the same technology come from different organisational or cultural contexts users’ expectations may clash
Users of some CSCW systems may be in widely spaced time zones.
This may require that at least one group operate outside normal working hours or outside normal working environment and with impoverished facilities.
Sharples 1993 and Scrivener 1993 (cited in Preece et al, . P. 332)

17. Design Considerations
Synchronous systems that work well with a small number of users may be less effective with a larger number of users.
It may be necessary to introduce a group facilitator or some method of floor control
Unpredictable delays can be very frustrating.
A slight but consistent delay may be preferable to an inconsistent delay, but a fast responding system is by far the best.

18. CSCW Resistance
There may be resistance to the introduction of CSCW systems due to:
Employees and managers who hoard information and believe that it gives them power. When everyone has information, they lose that power and no longer have an edge over the competition
Secretaries and clerks who have everything under control. Their efficiency gave them power, but when orderly files no longer matter, they risk losing their power base.

19. Organizational Issues
The introduction of CSCW will raise a number of issues for an organization and for the individual employees:
If an employee does work to support a system they should obtain a benefit from the system, if the individual has to put more work in than they get benefit, they may not use the system correctly
Free-riders - some people may attempt to reap benefits of shared information without contributing
Critical mass - to be really useful large number of participants are required, this may not always be practical, so CSCW should be introduced in small areas where there will be a benefit and then expanded
Dix et al, p

20. Organizational Issues
Co-operation or conflict -
Groups may have their own working practices which are at odds with those of the rest of the organization, this may discourage people from using the system correctly
Power structures -
managerial structures may be bypassed, the physical organization becomes unimportant, and non-verbal power cues may be lost e.g. in conversations
Invisible worker -
Managers like being able to see their employees – management by presence – management by objectives is better

21. Objectives
Define the term computer-supported cooperative work and groupware
Describe reasons for the creation and proliferation of groupware
Classify various types of groupware based on function and use
Different/same time
Different/same place

22. Objectives
Describe different users and functions of groupware including:
Complementary partners
Lecture or demonstration
Necessary partners
Conference
Directed conference
Structured work process
Electronic classroom or meeting room

23. Objectives Describe considerations in design of groupware
Describe possible sources resistance to groupware
Describe organizational issues