Small group use of communication technologies: a comparison of modality on group outcomes

Technology is an essential, and inevitable, component of group work and, as technology evolves, it is necessary to understand the impacts of various communication technologies on group outcomes. Groups, either working face-to-face, using two-dimensional video conferencing or three-dimensional tele-immersive video conferencing, were compared by how accurately and quickly they completed a task. Group member perceptions of social presence, satisfaction and technology acceptance were also explored. Results indicated little difference between face-to-face groups and 2D groups, while 3D groups were less accurate and slower with members reporting less social presence and satisfaction. However, when technology acceptance was controlled for, participants in this condition had more positive perceptions about the technology.