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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/2451/14179
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| Title: | Effects of Asynchronous Learning Networks: Results of a Field
Experiment Comparing Groups and Individuals |
| Authors: | Benbunan-Fich, Raquel
Hiltz, Starr Roxanne |
| Issue Date: | Nov-1997 |
| Publisher: | Stern School of Business, New York University |
| Series/Report no.: | IS-97-21 |
| Abstract: | An Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN) is a Computer-Mediated
Communication System designed to support "anytime/anywhere"
interaction among students and between students and instructors. A field
experiment compared groups and individuals solving an ethical case
scenario, with and without an ALN, to determine the separate and joint
effects of communication medium and teamwork. Undergraduate students in
Computers and Society analyzed the case as an assignment in the course.
Dependent variables include quality of the reports, learning as measured
by similar cases on the final exam, and subjective perceptions of
learning. The results indicate that working in a group, instead of
alone, tends to increase motivation, perception of learning and solution
satisfaction. Individuals working online produced higher quality reports
on the ethics scenario than individuals working manually, and
computer-supported groups produced the longest reports, while
individuals working manually produced the shortest reports. Regarding
group conditions, manual teams reported significantly higher levels of
process satisfaction, perception of process structure and perception of
discussion quality than teams supported by an asynchronous communication
medium. However, computer-supported groups reported the highest levels
of perceived learning. Finally, perception of collaborative learning
does not seem to be affected by the use of the medium; both supported
and unsupported groups perceived about the same levels of collaborative learning. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/2451/14179 |
| Appears in Collections: | IOMS: Information Systems Working Papers
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