Are interpersonal relationships necessary for developing trust in online group projects?

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2011

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. © 2011 Copyright Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia, Inc.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Distance Education

First Page

383

Last Page

396

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