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Exploring the attitudes, experiences and dynamics of interaction in online groups
journal contribution
posted on 2008-04-14, 10:58 authored by Adam R.D. Finegold, Louise CookeThe aim of this research was to improve understanding of the attitudes, experiences and dynamics of interaction of students working in online groups. This was achieved through a case study of postgraduate Information Studies students using the WebCT discussion board at City University in the academic year 2004-2005. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in combination including questionnaires, interviews, document analysis and discussion board analysis. The latter method involved adapting an existing content analysis framework. The findings highlight the significance of group member participation, collegiality and familiarity among group members. Students enjoyed working in online groups and found the discussion board useful, but often gave preference to other communication methods. Lecturer presence in online groups was found to be important to students, but interaction on the group discussion board was mostly student-centred. Provision of non-referential topic-related information, opinion and solidarity were the most common types of interaction.
History
School
- Science
Department
- Information Science
Citation
FINEGOLD, A.R.D. and COOKE, L., 2006. Exploring the attitudes, experiences and dynamics of interaction in online groups. Internet and Higher Education, 9 (3), pp. 201–215Publisher
© ElsevierPublication date
2006Notes
This article was published in the journal, Internet and Higher Education [© Elsevier]. The definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/10967516ISSN
1096-7516Language
- en