Impacts of Asynchronous Learning Networks on Individual and Group Problem Solving: A Field Experiment

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1999

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. Dependent variables include quality and length of the reports, and subjective perceptions of learning and satisfaction. The results indicate that an ALN enhances the quantity and quality of the solutions to an ethical case scenario. The combination of teamwork with ALN-support increases the students' perception of learning. Although the perception of collaborative learning was similar between ALN-supported and unsupported groups, participants in computer-mediated groups reported lower perceptions of discussion quality than participants in manual groups.

Identifier

0033407958 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Group Decision and Negotiation

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008669710763

ISSN

09262644

First Page

409

Last Page

426

Issue

5

Volume

8

Grant

NSF-IRI-9408805

Fund Ref

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

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