Group interactive learning with group process support technology

An effective seminar is about discussion, exchanges of ideas and developing understanding: but is this always achieved? This paper evaluates a pilot s tudy into whether group process support technology has the potential to imp rove the learning experience of students in seminar groups by increasing pa rticipation and focusing debate. The trial involved 86 undergraduate studen ts. The technology consists of wireless handsets, a PC and data projector. The use of the technology was varied to increase our understanding of how i t could be used effectively. The Pilot Study received a positive evaluation by both the tutor and the student group. The results are encouraging. and the paper concludes by establishing further research issues, how this appli cation of technology can be developed and briefly describes how the technol ogy has been subsequently used in the University of Glamorgan Business Scho ol.