Effect of emoticon type on the problem solving process and discussion messaging according to problem type in online discussion

Purpose: This study aimed to ascertain implications for class design by comprehensively analyzingthe effects of emoticon types used as non-verbal communication in online discussions on theproblem-solving process and discussion messaging depending on the type of problem. Methods: In this study, a group of emoticon types (text type, graphic type, and flash type) wasformed, the online discussions were examined according to the problem (creativity problem, cognitiveconflict problem), and the content of the discussion messaging was classified. A two-way analysisof variance (ANOVA) was conducted with the type of emoticon and the type of problem as theindependent variable and the number of messages appearing by function of the problem-solving processas the dependent variable, and an interaction effect was confirmed. Contents of the following discussionmessaging contents were classified into semantic units according to a message type analysis tool (Henri,1992). A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was then conducted with the emoticon and problemtype as the independent variable and the discussion messaging type as the dependent variable, andan interaction effect was confirmed. Results: It was found that emoticon types had different reactions depending on the emoticon typein the online discussion problem-solving process. The emoticon type influenced the discussionmessaging according to the problem type. Conclusion: This study suggests that an approach should be developed from the perspective ofinstructional design considering the types of problems and emoticons presented as learning tasks inonline discussions. The fact that the group by emoticon type showed differences in discussion messagingaccording to the problem type means that the emoticon type and problem type are the main factorsinfluencing the problem-solving process. The results indicate that if the problem is solved by consideringthe problem type and emoticon type suitable for online discussion, it can contribute to effective learningby facilitating the interaction of members and increasing their participation in learning.