Is the outcome of remote group work using text based CMC suboptimal? A psychobiological perspective. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, Kathy; Wehner, Tim; Millward, Helen
• Is Part Of: Computers & education. Volume 134(2019)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Education -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Computers -- Periodicals; Computer-Assisted Instruction -- Periodicals; Éducation -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 370.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2019.02.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-1315

Abstract

Abstract: A methodology for a trans-disciplinary approach between Education and a social, cognitive, affective neuroscience (SCAN) is presented that has the potential to enhance out understanding of the underlying processes of a social constructivist pedagogy. Increasingly group work is undertaken at distance and online by using text-based computer mediated conferencing. It is claimed that the socio-emotional climate is compromised in these contexts, that others are experienced as less real, and that a sub-optimal outcome of group work is more likely. This report has applied two methods the electroencephalogram (EEG) and the electromyogram (EMG), of a social, cognitive, affective neuroscience to investigate affect and social-cognition when group work is undertaken remotely and asynchronously using text-based CMC. The findings show that the valence of a group's socio-emotional climate can be indexed at a neural level and that there is neural evidence of socio-cognitive processing. At a psychobiological level of explanation there is no evidence to suggest that group work will be sub optimal when interpersonal interaction takes place remotely and asynchronously through using text based CMC. That discourse is the important component of human social interaction is highlighted by this research and the implications for educational technology as practiced, and SCAN as epistemologically constructed, are discussed. Highlights: The interpersonal interactions of groups are monitored using the electroencephalogram. Facial expression during social interaction is monitored using the electromyogram. Socio emotional experience and social cognition during text based CMC is evidenced at a neural level. A trans-disciplinary approach to understanding the dynamics of group work is proposed.