Quand l'analyse quantitative fait parler les forums de discussion

This article merges two viewpoints conce rning the quantitative analysis of discussion forums. First, we present recent results on forums studies, implying large groups with a high activity level. We propose indicators based on the data prod uced by user's activity that allow to identify and to qualify the usage of the forum in such groups. In t his context, even if statistically representative, these indicators stay somehow impersonal. In the second v iewpoint we apply similar methodologies to smaller and closed groups where each member is explicitly e ngaged and clearly identified. We focus on the soci al networks analysis. We discuss its transposition in an environment of remote communication. Beyond the convergence of the two presented approaches, we sho w that they can be used in a positive way in order to explore other contexts using collaborative environm ents.