Educational Applications of CMCS: Solving Case Studies through Asynchronous Learning Networks

Abstract

Case studies are an important component of many business curricula. However, in‐class discussion of case studies suffers from temporal and geographical limitations. Computer‐mediated communication systems (CMCS) can be used to overcome these constraints. An Asynchronous Learning Network, a CMCS supporting “anytime/anywhere” interaction and tailored for educational activities, may be used to expand and enrich case discussions. ALN‐mediated discussions allow students and instructors from remote locations to participate in the discussion at their own convenient times. A field experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of an ALN vs. traditional manual methods in individuals and groups discussing and solving a case study. Findings indicate that groups working in an asynchronous networked environment produced better and longer solutions to the case study, but were less satisfied with the interaction process.

Exploring Small Group Analysis of Instructional Design Cases in Online Learning Environments

“…One alternative to provide a space for students is to integrate computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools that allow students to communicate asynchronously and provide this important interaction among students (Benbunan-Fich & Hiltz, 1999;Rourke & Anderson, 2002). Recent studies have shown the relevance of video communication using tools such as VoiceThread to support communication and social presence among students in distance environments (Borup, West & Graham, 2013;Ching & Hsu, 2013).…”

Exploring Collaboration Patterns among Global Software Development Teams

“…Since the research activities discussed in this paper were aimed at trying to characterize the group dynamics within distributed software teams, the researchers chose a coding scheme that tries to characterize student group's collaborative behaviors [32]. Curtis and Lawson [32] identify nine different behaviors (described in Johnson & Johnson [33]) as being supportive of the collaborative process, and then developed a coding schema that could be used to categorize different utterances in on-line collaboration.…”

“…The original Curtis/Lawson [32] coding scheme was based on an exploratory study that examined online discussions of students who were engaged in a collaborative task. The authors examined the log files of interactions that occurred while using an online discussion management system.…”

E-aprendizaje en bibliotecología: perspectivas globales

“…E-learning library services have also been tackled by many scholars and researchers in recent years. Benbunan-Fich and Hiltz (1999) have critically discussed the use of computer-mediated communication systems (CMCS) in distance education; they also have focused on the convergence of technological and institutional factors involved in the promotion of e-learning. Jorgensen (2002) has highlighted the overall evolution and significance of the asynchronous learning network, and explored how online courses can be used to foster a rich collaborative e-learning environment and virtual classroom, whereas Cannon (2002) has outlined the potential catalytic role of the digital library in supporting the e-learning process.…”