Learning and Anxiety: Exploring Individual Judgement Processes in a Learning Environment with a Group Support System

Abstract

This chapter explores the process of making individual judgements within a group meeting environment that employs a “low-impact” form of group support, based on handset technology. A series of field-based case studies are reported in summary, and one in postgraduate education in more detail. These serve to demonstrate the potential for suitably designed group support systems (GSSs) to aid groups to overcome certain fundamental difficulties with which they have to contend. The protocol used is described, and a conceptual framework is proposed with which to explain practice. The framework centres on the encouragement of conversation that is focussed on the reasons for differences, coupled with the reduction of personal anxiety, achieved with flexibility offered through the GSS meeting environment.