Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Future reseArCh direCtions
•
How does
CoP group size impact vid-
eo
conferencing
interaction
and
task
This new iteration of video conferencing in the
interactive Internet environment has not been
researched systematically. Its specific purpose
to support and advance CoPs is virgin research
territory. Therefore, many factors may be inves-
tigated. Weinfam's and Davis's (2004) variable
clusters provide a useful framework for posing
viable research questions.
Contextual variables:
accomplishment?
To what degree do CoPs need to meet each
•
other or get acquainted before using video
conferencing?
How does the novelty of
•
video conferenc-
ing impact CoP group dynamics and task
work? When novelty wears off, how do
group dynamics and task work change, if
at all?
•
What personal factors (motivation, expe-
Group outcomes:
rience, personality), if any, are predictors
for success in using video conferencing in
CoPs?
At what stage of CoPs development is
•
What kinds of
video conferencing tasks
are best served with different group
structures?
How do social and task agendas impact
•
vid-
eo conferencing most or least effective?
How do existing social networks impact
•
•
video conferencing?
How important is administrative support in
the effectiveness of video conferencing?
What technological configurations and
•
•
sustaining video conferencing?
How does
support are necessary or sufficient in using
video conferencing in CoPs?
How good of image resolution is adequate
•
video conferencing impact
groupthink?
How do group dynamics and task work
•
•
for group interaction?
What kinds of tasks (e.g., complexity,
change as participants meet over time?
•
uncertainty, content, importance/conse-
quence) lend themselves to video confer-
encing for CoPs?
What timeframes -- in terms of session
ConClusion
•
With today's level of technology and the impact of
globalization, video conferencing has re-emerged
as a viable communications vehicle for collabora-
tion. When structured to support communities of
practice, video conferencing offers a rich environ-
ment for complex discussion. Video conferenc-
ing, however, does not function best alone, but
should be complemented by other communication
methods: both one-way and interactive. At its
best, video conferencing can motivate individuals
to share ideas openly, and serve as a catalyst for
CoPs to act purposefully.
length, task duration, group membership
-- work best for video conferencing for
CoPs?
Process variables:
•
How does
video conferencing impact CoP
participation and decision-making? What
processes can optimize these behaviors?
How does the innate structure of
•
video
conferencing impact CoP processes?
What kinds of cognitive support facilitate
•
video conferencing task accomplishment?
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