Dr. Roxanne Hiltz and Professor Murray Turoff about Research on Asynchronous Learning Networks

[Helge V. Keitel]

For over twenty years, a team of researchers centered at NJIT has conducted experiments and field studies designed to improve the effectiveness of group support systems for distributed groups communicating via asynchronous computer-mediated communication.

* Starting 1975 and moving forward 1980 with proper financing

In Helsinki yesterday, Dr. Roxanne Hiltz and Professor Murray Turoff described their persistence and evolution of interest in virtual learning, the technology and gadgets used, as well as "distance teaching" compared to collaborative and supported teaching methodology.

Many other technologies can help distributed teams—synchronous tools such as NetMeeting or a shared editor (Olson et al., 1993); awareness tools such as Instant Messenger; calendaring tools to help schedule meetings, etc.

- By software “tools” we mean the use of the computer to collect, process, and display data to the group; the most frequent type of software tool is a voting or preference tool. As a “tool,” the software plays an automated and active role in guiding or supporting the interaction among group members. By “structure” we mean norms, roles, and procedures that are meant to guide group interaction. “Structure” has been something of a holy grail to the NJIT team for a long time; seeking structures that “make a difference” in helping on-line groups to coordinate and be more effective.

I participated yesterday at a meeting at Finnish Society of Future Studies where Dr. Roxanne Hiltz and Professor Murray Turoff told about Virtual Classrooms and their Research on Asynchronous Learning Networks.

New Jersey Institute of Technology has been delivering college courses via an Asynchronous Learning Network.

Sanna Brauer will write about their presentation from a teaching and educational point of view. I was listening to the presentation with a hidden agenda. How could we apply the techniques and methodology of virtual Classrooms to the corporate world where knowledge creation and transfer are important issues.

My interest is how to adapt the learning methods to project management and collaborative business and technological innovations. Possible applications are complex technology transfer operations with multiple participants and blurred responsibilities especially in the early stage of the planning and implementation process.

* First time deliveries
* Negotiation processes
* Defining borderlines
* Responsibilities unclear
* A lot interaction is needed
* Cultural barriers
* Language barriers
* Different time zones

Roxanne Hilz: Generically, the Virtual Classroom is a teaching and learning environment located within a computer-mediated communication system. Rather than being built of steel and concrete, it consists of a set of group communication and work "spaces" and facilities that are constructed in software. Thus it is a "virtual" facility for interaction among the members of a class, rather than a physical space.

Corporations have to do more cross-border collaboration and work in complex and dynamic group settings. Web-based tools for effective collaboration are available but companies are not too familiar with the educational methods that could help them to improve their collaborative efficiencies.

* How to get started
* Manging different collaborative teams 1-50 members
* The need for continuous guidance
* The leader or educator shouldn't be to dominant
* How to motivate continuous participation
* Microgroups with internal objectives
* Collaboration between work teams
* The individual, team building, group collaboration
* Delivering rich content
* Powerpoints and iPod (mp3)

I'll continue to write several blog posts about the lecture and you can find more in-depth background here.