The impact of Group Intelligence software on enquiry-based learning

Tan, Y. L. and Macaulay, L. A. (2011) The impact of Group Intelligence software on enquiry-based learning. The International Journal of Learning, 6 (1). pp. 84-102. ISSN 1447-9494 doi: 10.1504/IJLT.2011.040151

Abstract/Summary

Despite the increasing use of groupware technologies in education, there is little evidence of their impact, especially within an enquiry-based learning (EBL) context. In this paper, we examine the use of a commercial standard Group Intelligence software called GroupSystems®ThinkTank. To date, ThinkTank has been adopted mainly in the USA and supports teams in generating ideas, categorising, prioritising, voting and multi-criteria decision-making and automatically generates a report at the end of each session. The software was used by students carrying out an EBL project, set by employers, for a full academic year. The criteria for assessing the impact of ThinkTank on student learning were those of creativity, participation, productivity, engagement and understanding. Data was collected throughout the year using a combination of interviews and questionnaires, and written feedback from employers. The overall findings show an increase in levels of productivity and creativity, evidence of a deeper understanding of their work but some variation in attitudes towards participation in the early stages of the project.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/26316
Identification Number/DOI	10.1504/IJLT.2011.040151
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Publisher	Inderscience
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