Abstract
This chapter reviews contemporary research on virtual collaboration. In particular, we focus on synchronous communication and collaboration processes in virtual conferencing environments. In a virtual conference, interactants are geographically distant but their avatars (virtual representations) appear in the same virtual conference room. Two types of virtual collaboration are examined. First, we review new findings on research in immersive virtual conferencing. Next, we review recent findings on social interaction in non-immersive virtual conferencing. Specifically, we examine the impact of social interaction on these communication technologies. Finally, we conclude with speculation about the future trends in virtual collaboration.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Virtual Collaboration: When people who are geographically separated but are working interdependently on shared outcomes rely on technology-mediated communication, rather than Face-to-Face communication to work on their project (Wainfan & Davis, 2004).
Collaborative Virtual Environment (CVE): A multi-person, computer-generated, networked environment where people from different physical locations can interact with one another in the same virtual environment. A CVE may be immersive or desktop.
Immersive Virtual Environment: A virtual environment that envelops and individual
Virtual Collaboration: When people who are geographically separated but are working interdependently on shared outcomes rely on technology-mediated communication, rather than Face-to-Face communication to work on their project (Wainfan & Davis, 2004).
Collaborative Virtual Environment (CVE): A multi-person, computer-generated, networked environment where people from different physical locations can interact with one another in the same virtual environment. A CVE may be immersive or desktop.
Avatar: Virtual representation of a human in a computer-mediated context
Virtual Environment: Also known as virtual reality, a virtual environment is a computer-generated representation of a physical environment and may recreate stimuli that engage any number of the senses. There can be visual, auditory, olfactory, and haptic (Blascovich, et al., 2002; Biocca & Levy, 1995; Kalawsky, 1993).
Avatar: Virtual representation of a human in a computer-mediated context
Virtual Environment: Also known as virtual reality, a virtual environment is a computer-generated representation of a physical environment and may recreate stimuli that engage any number of the senses. There can be visual, auditory, olfactory, and haptic (Blascovich, et al., 2002; Biocca & Levy, 1995; Kalawsky, 1993).
Immersive Virtual Environment: A virtual environment that envelops and individual