Effect of GSS and facilitation on knowledge restructuring

In this paper, a 2×2 factorial design was used to assess the main and interaction effects of GSS (group support systems) and facilitation on knowledge restructuring under experimental conditions. To measure knowledge restructuring, the concept mapping technique and similarity coefficient were used to evaluate the level of restructuring of individual structural knowledge (complexity and integration) and the commonality of individual knowledge among the group. Results of the experiment indicated that both GSS and facilitation were effective cognitive tools which could be used to enhance knowledge restructuring. Supplemental analysis revealed that the presence of either GSS or content facilitation improved quality of learners´ feedback which was an important factor needed to heighten restructuring of learners´ mental models. However the interaction effects of GSS and facilitation on knowledge restructuring were found to be non-additive.