I Know Where You are Looking! Broadening the Notion of Annotation in a Collaborative Immersive Simulation Environment

Abstract

Building on collaboration as a reciprocal process, this paper proposes re-annotation as a lens to examine engagement with digital annotations in computer-supported collaborative learning environments. Shifting from traditional annotation metrics, such as quantity and quality, we focus on dynamics of how annotations are attended to and revisited. Using a cross-device simulation platform, this study analyzes re-annotation behaviors through four temporal dimensions (frequency, breadth, contiguity, and recurrence) across groups with varying learning performances. Findings highlight shorter intervals between annotations and subsequent re-annotations in high-performing groups, indicating prompt response and a potential measure of attention coordination. Additionally, high-performing groups revisited their own annotations more frequently, indicative of reflective activity. Extending the investigation beyond annotation creation, this work enriches the theoretical understanding of social annotation and informs the design of annotation tools. While providing promising insights, future research is needed, incorporating qualitative insights to fully unpack the role of (re-)annotations in collaboration dynamics.