Using Computer Conferencing and Electronic Mail to Facilitate Group Projects

Abstract

This article reports on the use of electronic mail and an electronic conferencing system to conduct group projects in three Educational Psychology courses. Modifying the traditional group project by incorporating electronic communication has a number of advantages. 1) By “meeting” electronically, groups can communicate without space or time restrictions, creating potentially continuous dialogues. 2) Coordinating the groups electronically allows the professor to “sit-in” on these dialogues. The professor can be an unobtrusive observer, instantly available to answer questions, or give advice if the group seems to need it. 3) Monitoring the groups at work also allows the instructor to accurately assess the participation and contributions of each individual in the group, and assign appropriate grades. 4) Finally, the project introduces the students to electronic networking, and gives them a realistic opportunity to practice using it.