Coordinating action in technology-supported shared tasks: Virtual pointing as a situated practice for mobilizing a response

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.