Amelia Yeza Pradhipta, Isma Dwi Fiani

Group Communication Patterns of Universitas Terbuka Students’ Online Community on WhatsApp

Introduction

Group communication patterns of universitas terbuka students’ online community on whatsapp. Explore communication patterns of Universitas Terbuka's distance learning students on WhatsApp. Identifies wheel & star patterns influenced by topics, revealing virtual interaction.

Abstract

This qualitative constructivist research focuses on understanding the group communication patterns that emerged from interaction within distance learning student’s online community. Although distance learning has allowed students to pursue higher education without being bound by time and space constraints, this learning mode also separates students from one another. Communication technology, such as the instant messaging platform WhatsApp, becomes an option for students to replace in-person interaction with virtual interaction. This research uses DeVito’s concept of group communication patterns to analyze the communication between students as a member of an online community on WhatsApp group chat. Based on the online observation data and interviews, this research has found that two group communication patterns emerged from the online community interaction: wheel pattern communication and star pattern communication. The patterns themselves depend on the conversation topic between group members. Wheel pattern typically emerges in a Q&A type of conversation where one member would ask questions and receive responses from multiple group members. Meanwhile, star pattern communication is found only in conversations related to sharing personal experiences as distance learning students.

Review

The submitted manuscript investigates the fascinating topic of group communication patterns within an online community of distance learning students at Universitas Terbuka, utilizing the WhatsApp platform. Employing a qualitative constructivist research design, the study aims to understand how students, separated by the nature of distance education, engage in virtual interaction to foster connection. The research adeptly uses DeVito’s concept of group communication patterns as its analytical lens, providing a structured approach to analyzing the complex dynamics of online group communication. This research is particularly relevant in today's educational landscape, shedding light on the crucial role of instant messaging platforms in compensating for the lack of in-person interaction among distance learners. Based on online observation and interviews, the study successfully identifies two distinct group communication patterns emerging from the WhatsApp interactions: the wheel pattern and the star pattern. A significant contribution of this research is its finding that the emergence of these patterns is contingent upon the conversation topic. The wheel pattern, characterized by a single member posing questions and receiving responses from multiple group members, is typically observed in Q&A type discussions. Conversely, the star pattern is exclusively found in conversations where students share personal experiences related to their journey as distance learners. These findings offer valuable insights into the adaptive nature of online communication and highlight how interaction structures can fluidly change based on communicative purpose. While the identified patterns and their topic-dependency are compelling, the manuscript could benefit from further elaboration on the underlying factors influencing these shifts beyond just the topic. For instance, exploring the roles of group size, member roles (e.g., natural leaders, information providers), or the specific social and emotional needs being met by each pattern could add greater depth. Future research might also consider longitudinal studies to observe the evolution of these patterns over time, or comparative studies across different platforms or cultural contexts to assess the generalizability of these findings. Despite these suggestions, this paper makes a valuable contribution to understanding the nuanced communication dynamics within online learning communities, offering a solid foundation for further exploration in this vital area.

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