A variation on the News Group, electronic discussion groups require participants to write their responses to questions asked of them by professors and fellow students. This gives them time to organize their thoughts and communicate them more effectively, while enhancing written communication skills. In addition to class materials, students often send personal messages to each other, and often give each other help and advice. The use of the Internet has begun to change the way we approach education. The student to professor and student to student relationship might be enhanced by this technology.
Discussion groups enrich and expand students' educational experience beyond the classroom.
The electronic discussion group meets the needs of all students. It acts as an equalizer of opportunity to participate, giving the impulsive learner time to think things through and the reflective learner time to put his or her answers together. Participants of electronic discussion groups must write their responses to questions asked of them by the professor and fellow students. This gives them time to organize their thoughts and communicate them more effectively. It also reduces the stresses and anxieties that arise from conflicting ideas or attitudes within the class participants.