Group communication media choice and the use of information and communication technology to support learning: a case study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper reports a study conducted longitudinally to investigate group communication media choice and the use of a web‐based learning tool, as well as other types of communication media, such as e‐mail, telephone, and face‐to‐face, for communication and collaboration to complete given tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was designed following the case study research methodology and design of Yin. Longitudinal observation was made on groups in their naturalistic research setting. Twenty‐three groups of four or five students working on five similar tasks were selected as the unit of analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that groups' choice‐making process of communication media evolved over a period of time. A pattern of group communication emerged, namely face‐to‐face, virtual, and mixed (the use of both face‐to‐face and virtual communication). The three group communication categories were significantly different in performance, with the mixed category performing the highest in terms of grade.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are related to the case study methodology and the subjectivity of some interpretations.

Practical implications

The findings should assist in the design of both on‐campus and distance learning course modules to facilitate learning through group project or assignment. The findings should also assist the design and implementation of the e‐learning systems and tools that are acceptable to users.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into how such ICT applications can be made useful and effective, and why, when given the freedom to choose, the use of a web‐based tool is the least attempted for communication.

Citation

Shahriza Abdul Karim, N. and Heckman, R. (2005), "Group communication media choice and the use of information and communication technology to support learning: a case study", Campus-Wide Information Systems, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 28-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650740510574401