A1 Journal article (refereed)
Coordinating action in technology-supported shared tasks : Virtual pointing as a situated practice for mobilizing a response (2021)

Olbertz-Siitonen, M., & Piirainen-Marsh, A. (2021). Coordinating action in technology-supported shared tasks : Virtual pointing as a situated practice for mobilizing a response. Language and Communication, 79, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langcom.2021.03.005

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Olbertz-Siitonen, Margarethe; Piirainen-Marsh, Arja

Journal or series: Language and Communication

ISSN: 0271-5309

eISSN: 1873-3395

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 79

Pages range: 1-21

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langcom.2021.03.005

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/75242

Abstract

Drawing on recordings of remote screen-based work meetings in Finland, this conversation analytic study investigates interactive properties of mouse cursor movements in technology-mediated shared tasks. The article illustrates how participants rely on features afforded by the input device in ways that divert from its pre-designed functions to accomplish virtual pointing gestures. These gestures serve as an organizational resource in the precursory phase of action, i.e. when a next on-screen action is observably made relevant. In this sequential environment, pointing by means of the tool is a collaborative resource: an embodied practice for sustaining co-orientation and advancing the sequential progression of the activity. Pointing that co-occurs with first actions such as questions works towards mobilizing a response by projecting relevant nexts and displays the chair's orientation to the respective rights and obligations of the participants.

Keywords: remote work; meetings (arranged events); interaction; decision making; virtual environment; information and communications technology; conversation analysis

Free keywords: virtual pointing; mobilizing response; joint decision-making; technology-mediated interaction; remote work meetings; conversation analysis

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 3