An Investigation of Collaboration Processes in an Online Course: How do Small Groups Develop over Time?

dc.creator	Namsook Jahng
dc.date	2012-10-01T00:00:00Z
dc.date.accessioned	2015-07-20T22:43:36Z
dc.date.available	2015-07-20T22:43:36Z
dc.identifier	1492-3831
dc.identifier	https://doaj.org/article/a66be60879cb4a7f951207ffa2d367d4
dc.identifier.uri	http://evidence.thinkportal.org/handle/123456789/23482
dc.description	This study investigated communication patterns and behavior in problem-solving groups in a graduate online course. An inductive qualitative analysis method was employed to analyze 732 messages that were retrieved from small group forums. The current study identified a temporal pattern of group development was in comparison with existing theoretical models: the traditional group development model (Tuckman, 1965; Tuckman & Jensen, 1977) and the punctuated equilibrium model (Gersick, 1988; 1991). All the groups had two working phases and three decision-making points. The temporal pattern of group behavior was close to the phase transition concept of Gersick’s model. Some groups tended to undergo Tuckman’s stages, but their development stages were not necessarily sequential or hierarchical. Thus, it is concluded that Gersick’s model could be more useful for researchers and instructors to better understand and assist online students in problem solving collaborative activities.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	Athabasca University Press
dc.relation	http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1211/2281
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/1492-3831
dc.rights	CC BY
dc.source	International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, Vol 13, Iss 4 (2012)
dc.subject	Group development
dc.subject	collaboration
dc.subject	communication
dc.subject	behavior
dc.subject	problem-solving
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.title	An Investigation of Collaboration Processes in an Online Course: How do Small Groups Develop over Time?
dc.type	article