Group Dynamics in On-Line and Face-to-Face Interactions: An Experimental Study on Learning Methods

Abstract

Organizing in groups does not represent an objective definition, but rather a way to better understand the meaning of plurality. At the same time modern technologies modify perceptive and cognitive transformation. This research shows that on-line groups develop objective dynamics in face-to-face groups; it evaluates the quality of the University student services and studies the dynamics of the creation of face-to-face and on-line groups. Students were divided into experimental on-line (forum, chat, newsgroup) and face-to-face encounters (seminars, laboratories). The two level analyses show the defence mechanisms, the lack of socialization attitudes and the tolerance of differences that characterized on-line groups. The new technologies open new horizons and cogni-tive functions.