Using question-based chat rooms to negotiate varying meanings in non-static knowledge environments

In this paper, the authors describe the use of question-based chat rooms to negotiate dynamic meanings associated with questions in nonstatic knowledge environments. Meanings associated with questions are themselves nonstatic and when these questions are coupled with nonstatic contexts in nonstatic knowledge environments; extraction of meaning from questions is nontrivial. The paper describes the problems associated with interpretation of questions and how this problem is being addressed using a computer based critical questioning environment tool. They describe the meaning negotiation project undertaken as an intervention for honours students at the University of Cape Town to teach students critical engagement skills with academic text and reports on how questions were used as a teaching tool.