Computer-mediated communication in collaborative writing.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if using computers to communicate during group writing tasks is an effective mode of communication. Three-person teams wrote term papers in one of the following media styles: face-to-face (FTF), synchronous computer-mediated communication (CMCS), or asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMCA). The participants were given six weeks to complete the entire writing task. Indicators of performance, satisfaction, and process were measured. Results showed no performance differences across media styles in terms of group products. Satisfaction measures indicated low satisfaction for CMCA groups. General process measures showed that FTF and CMCS groups often behaved similarly, whereas CMCA groups did not. For example, CMCA groups had difficulties answering previously asked questions. Process measures specific to the task of writing showed similar results for all media types. The results suggest that CMCA may not be an appropriate setting for writing collaboratively; whereas groups collaboratively writing in a synchronous computer-mediated communication setting should be able to produce quality work satisfactorily.