VIRTUAL GROUP DYNAMICS

Virtual Group Dynamics

Virtual Group Dynamics

Introduction

The use of certain information technology and communication leads to the formation of student groups working remotely in real time or delayed. These "virtual groups" performing learning activities, represent a novelty in the college system. To ensure quality education and creating appropriate learning activities, it is important to better understand the functioning of such groups. This research aims to identify precisely the dynamic interactive virtual band (Forsyth, 2010).

To this end, we propose to test three learning activities, the first year in virtual groups linked to an establishment and second year within virtual inter-institutional group (network). We want to know how the dynamics of interactive virtual group operates in what concerns the type of activity, communication mode (synchronous or asynchronous) and the type of students (Gravells, 2008).

Given that the formation of virtual teams in a learning situation will become increasingly common, it is necessary to better determine its potential. How the virtual band? How to place the process of interaction? What is special about facing the traditional group? These are the questions that our research will answer by analyzing the internal dynamics of the virtual group and identifying patterns (Forsyth, 2010).

Discussion

As a member of a virtual learner's group, it is essential to discuss the fundamentals of groups. According to Robbins and Judges, (2007) B.W. Tuckman developed the stages of group development, forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning (Tuckman, 2005). The details of the steps are as follows:

1. Forming: The group comes together for the first time. The group members start to know one another, and the members start to think and work as a group instead of as individuals. Because the group is just forming, a great deal of uncertainty may exist among the group members, especially if the individuals have not worked in a group setting previously (Forsyth, 2010).

2. Storming: The storming stage can be considered chaotic, with resistance possibly occurring from members not having worked in a group previously, because they are used to working as individuals. In this stage, members begin to jockey for the roles of leaders or followers. Conflict is common in this stage. During this stage, the group's hierarchy forms (Tuckman, 2005).

3. Norming: In this stage, there is an agreement on how the group operates. This is also the stage when group members will form relationships with one another, and hopefully, all members will now be more comfortable with the group setting.

4. Performing: The group now can work as one effectively to achieve the group's objectives. The group members now work together and have a sense of belonging. They also feel a sense of identity in the group and a sense of comfort with their place within the group.

5. Adjourning: The adjourning stage where the group is no longer needed and the group disbands. The members move on to other endeavors.



In the above five stages, the group must have effective communication. Communication can flow vertically (downward or upward) or ...