ENHANCING THE FLEXIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS OF INTRODUCING GROUPWARE

摘要

This presentation will consider what group computing is and how it is facilitated by Groupware for on line collaboration in student project work leading to the encouragement of a flexible learning environment The author will also propose the view that not only technical, but social and cultural aspects should be considered prior to the introduction of Groupware products into an educational environment. Examples of collaborative 'Group Working and Groupware' case studies, both local and international, in the university environment will be discussed. Many organizations in recent times have changed their working culture to embrace such ideas as group working and self-management teams and as a result have introduced Groupware technology. However the introduction of this technology into an organization, whether it be business or educational, should be considered carefully. There is much confusion over the exact terminology used to define a Groupware product. Groupware is a generic term used to describe the various software solutions that can enable teams or project groups to work together by using information and communications technology. Other terms used to describe collaborative computing are Group Computing, Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), Group Support Systems, Group Decision Support Systems. This plethora of terms leads to confusion both within the computer industry and academia as to what a Groupware product should actually include. Furthermore, regardless of this technological confusion it is also important to pay due regard to the social and cultural aspects of introducing Groupware into an organisation. First and foremost Groupware should support the efforts of teams and other paradigms which require people to work together, even though they are physically some distance apar. Further, Groupware should support 'people orientated' ways of collaborative/group working by providing tools to solve 'collaboration oriented' problems. However, Groupware functions in a social-technical oriented environment, so focussing wholly on the technical issues will inevitably fail to fulfill the requirements of this type of system. Focussing on the 'people' issues increases the potential for success. However, it must not be forgotten that, people systems can be much more complex than technical systems. Even if the technology does solve the problem, functions well, and is implemented, it is essential that support comes from the organizational culture or the system may well fail. Furthermore, even if the culture supports Groupware success, but there is no economic justification for a Groupware solution, the implementation will fail. Even if technology, social, cultural and economic requirements are all satisfactory the success of a project can still be destroyed by internal politics. Coleman has proposed the following formula for successful implementation of Groupware.