Table 2 Content analysis framework of the discussion content

Question elicitation (Qel)

A participant asked questions to elicit others’ perspectives or ideas

1.What is your understanding of this part?

2.Should the part of technical challenge focus on the application of metamaterials?

Information sharing (Ish)

A participant shared information that represented others’ perspectives from articles or resources without proposing his/her own perspective

1.Mechanical metamaterials are a class of man-made materials with special mechanical properties

2.A sharing of reference: Baek, D., Sang, H. L., Jun, B.H., & Lee, S.H. (2021). Lithography technology for micro- and nanofabrication

Perspective proposal (Ppr)

A participant proposed his/her own perspectives or ideas or responded to others without any explanations

1.Yes, it’s about the difficulty of using 3D printing to achieve special mechanical properties

2.I feel the same way and agree with you

Perspective elaboration (Pel)

A participant elaborated or responded perspectives or ideas supported with evidence, reasons, or argumentations

1.As photolithography is frequently used in applications, we should introduce several examples of applications, otherwise it is too general

2.Most of the marine engineering needs to explore the seabed, carry out excavation and other operations. Thus, we need to develop a variety of robots that can work underwater

Group regulation (GR)

A participant asked, understood or responded to the group task, made plans, monitored the group’s collaborative progress, and made reflections of the group progress

1.Please send the work to me by 10 p.m. today, and I'll sort it out and submit it

2.It’s my turn to integrate our work this week