Foster strengths and circumvent weaknesses: Advantages and disadvantages of online versus face-to-face subgroup discourse

Authors:
Mingzhu Qiu;Douglas Mcdougall
Affiliations:
Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6, Canada;Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6, Canada
Venue:
Computers & Education
Year:
2013

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Abstract

This article points out some advantages and disadvantages of online over face-to-face subgroup discourse. Using a mixed methods study methodology, five online graduate-level courses were investigated and the experiences from twenty-two participants were described to identify key advantages and disadvantages of subgroup structures used to evaluate graduate students' and instructors' experiences. Outcomes revealed that online small group discussions have more advantages over face-to-face ones. Online small group discussions can be an effective strategy to interweave whole-class discussions with small group discussions in order to reduce overall information loads in large classes while providing more opportunities for interaction. However, online small group discussions have some disadvantages over face-to-face discussions. The findings may have implications for both practitioners and researchers studying online small group discourse. They could serve as a base for researchers to further explore the issue to achieve fruitful online discourse.