Flexible. E-groups are accessible 24/7, anywhere as long as there is an Internet connection.
Leveling. E-groups encourage usually shy people to “speak up” and say as much as they want, while those who are usually outgoing cannot interrupt.
Documented. Unlike verbal communication, online discussions can be revisited and can be stored for a long time.
Reflection. E-group members are given a lot of time to reflect or think about what they can say about an event, idea, or issue before they share their thoughts.
Relevance. E-groups provide members a chance to share real-life experiences or give up-to-date information on new places in the city, for instance, that can be useful to the members of the group in this day and age.
Community. E-groups that bond over similar interests – alumni associations, for example – can become a supportive, stimulating community and network.
Limitless. There are no boundaries as to where the discussions can go.
Disadvantages
Text-based. The whole set-up of e-groups relies mainly on text. This is challenging for those who do not like to write or have slow keyboard skills. The upside though is that the increased broadband connectivity and emerging voice and video conference technologies improve the accessibility and usage ease of web services such as e-groups.
No physical cues. One member cannot see the facial expressions or gestures of another member. There is also the lack of ability to retract a statement immediately, increasing the risk of big misunderstandings.
Information overload. E-group threads usually send to members a large volume of messages. This can be overwhelming and hard to follow.
Threads. It is hard to follow the logical sequence of discussion when it is broken by users not sticking to the topic thread.
Time lag. Discussion gets often delayed since not all members log on 24/7. It may take a long time before receiving a reply, or sometimes no reply is received at all.
Isolation. Some members of e-groups prefer to learn on their own and not participate in discussions.
Directionless. E-groups depend on a moderator to direct the conversations/discussions, so without one, the conversation can become directionless sometimes.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Advantages of e-groups
Flexible. E-groups are accessible 24/7, anywhere as long as there is an Internet connection.
Leveling. E-groups encourage usually shy people to “speak up” and say as much as they want, while those who are usually outgoing cannot interrupt.
Documented. Unlike verbal communication, online discussions can be revisited and can be stored for a long time.
Reflection. E-group members are given a lot of time to reflect or think about what they can say about an event, idea, or issue before they share their thoughts.
Relevance. E-groups provide members a chance to share real-life experiences or give up-to-date information on new places in the city, for instance, that can be useful to the members of the group in this day and age.
Community. E-groups that bond over similar interests – alumni associations, for example – can become a supportive, stimulating community and network.
Limitless. There are no boundaries as to where the discussions can go.
Disadvantages
Text-based. The whole set-up of e-groups relies mainly on text. This is challenging for those who do not like to write or have slow keyboard skills. The upside though is that the increased broadband connectivity and emerging voice and video conference technologies improve the accessibility and usage ease of web services such as e-groups.
No physical cues. One member cannot see the facial expressions or gestures of another member. There is also the lack of ability to retract a statement immediately, increasing the risk of big misunderstandings.
Information overload. E-group threads usually send to members a large volume of messages. This can be overwhelming and hard to follow.
Threads. It is hard to follow the logical sequence of discussion when it is broken by users not sticking to the topic thread.
Time lag. Discussion gets often delayed since not all members log on 24/7. It may take a long time before receiving a reply, or sometimes no reply is received at all.
Isolation. Some members of e-groups prefer to learn on their own and not participate in discussions.
Directionless. E-groups depend on a moderator to direct the conversations/discussions, so without one, the conversation can become directionless sometimes.