Experimental and experiential approaches to teaching face-to-face and computer-mediated group discussion

The contrast of face-to-face (FTF) communication with computer-mediated communication (CMC), either experimentally or experientially, may be a valuable way for teaching group dynamics and group decision making in educational settings. Our review of the literature and a controlled study illustrate the potential strengths of FTF and CMC formats for group discussion. While students produced significantly more ideas using CMC in our study, they reported that FTF groups were significantly more effective, easier to use, and more satisfying than CMC groups. Given the gap between students' perceptions of CMC effectiveness and an objective measure of effectiveness, suggestions are offered that facilitate the use of CMC in single-session experimental and experiential exercises, as well as multi-session group projects.