ABSTRACT
The particular focus of this chapter is on the effective implementation of group discussion, or ‘conversational’, methodologies on electronic telecommunications networks. This focus is particularly important, as we know much less about how to converse effectively on electronic networks, than we do about electronic self-instruction. There is a long history and fairly developed technology of the design, development and delivery of self-study materials in different (including electronic) media. There is much less known about the running of effective group-discussion sessions at a distance. Such teaching methods as seminars (where a group critiques and comments on a prepared paper or presentation) or case-studies (where groups exchange ideas on how to explain or deal with a problem situation) are traditionally implemented in small or medium-sized groups, led by skilled and experienced ‘facilitators’. Much of the success of these teaching methods is ascribed to the facilitators and the skill with which they focus discussion, guide the approaches adopted by the participants, use the natural group dynamics to stimulate interest, participation and deep involvement, pull together what has been learned in the final debriefing discussion, and so on. Can such participatory discussion methods be effectively orchestrated at a distance? How might this be done? The answers to such questions are vital if we are to learn just how we can utilise the new electronic communication media for education and training.
