Social Interaction in Virtual Teams – An Exploratory Study of Students Undertaking Business Simulation

Authors

  • Dr. Michael P. O'Brien University of Limerick
  • Dr. Yvonne Costin University of Limerick

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecel.21.1.612

Keywords:

virtual teams, business simulation, higher education, social interaction

Abstract

In recent times, the usage of virtual teams has been accelerated, and virtual teams are being used exponentially in higher education and industry - driven by, and in response to, the Covid-19 pandemic - aided by developments in innovative technologies and globalisation. Teams have suddenly become an essential and necessary approach for collaborative learning as well as task completion. In examining the components of social interaction and its respective distinguished components, this paper positively points to virtual teams being an appropriate means for social interaction and team performance, albeit with some challenges. This qualitative study brings to the fore constructive and affirmative themes, along with various challenges that virtual teams present and also highlights areas for further research.

Author Biography

Dr. Michael P. O'Brien, University of Limerick

Dr. Michael P. O’Brien is a lecturer in Information Management at the University of Limerick, Ireland. He teaches on undergraduate and postgraduate modules in the area of Information and Knowledge Management. His research interests include data analytics, cognitive and educational psychology, software comprehension strategies, empirical studies of programmers and software evolution.

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Published

2022-10-21

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2022): Proceedings of the 21st European Conference on e-Learning - ECEL 2022

Section

Academic papers