Are Interpersonal Relationships Necessary for Developing Trust in Online Group Projects?
ARTICLE
Christine E. Wade, Bruce A. Cameron, Kari Morgan, Karen C. Williams
Distance Education Volume 32, Number 3, ISSN 0158-7919
Abstract
Trust between group members has been suggested as an important part of small group work in online classrooms. Developing interpersonal relationships with group members may promote a sense of trust among them; however, research shows mixed results. The current study explored how students' perceptions of the importance of interpersonal relationships in online groups affected their perceptions of trust and experiences within the group. Students enrolled in online classes that incorporated a group project were surveyed about their experiences with online group projects. Participants did not find interpersonal relationships as necessary in trust development. However, student gender and type (i.e., distance versus on-campus) were important factors in determining the type of experiences students had within their online groups. Males reported more negative experiences than females, and distance education students desired relationships with group members more than on-campus students. (Contains 4 tables.)
Citation
Wade, C.E., Cameron, B.A., Morgan, K. & Williams, K.C. (2011). Are Interpersonal Relationships Necessary for Developing Trust in Online Group Projects?. Distance Education, 32(3), 383-396. Retrieved August 10, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/110464/.
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