Self paced learning versus group paced learning

Self paced learning means that students are individually in control of their time and rhythm of work and learning. However, self paced learning doesn’t mean independent isolated work but rather the individual contribution to the whole and tacitly assuming that commitment. These features can be very motivating and engaging.
Being in control also brings an added responsibility into the students learning process because they feel implicitly that success – individually or in groups – depends on each one performing his part. However, self paced learning allows for more freedom of time and pace as well as access to the common knowledge or learning pool to which everyone can contribute and use for his own benefit. Knowledge is in the individuals, in the learning communities, and in is stored in non human appliances. Asynchronous communication tools foster self paced learning because it allows for more freedom of time, pace and access. This asynchronous communication tools also allow individuals to work in groups and establish connections between the group members. They support and encourage online learning communities and in my opinion can be as effective as synchronous communication tools and in cases where we need to deal with a lot of information and think about it , they are even more effective.
Group-based learning can be more time demanding because students have to meet talk and discuss working strategies and procedures and agree on them, and use more collaborative tools to make a common product. Group paced learning is not so flexible in time or pace and sometimes in space since everyone must be tuned in.
Individuals are more interdependent, so they have to be able to adjust their time and pace to the time and pace of others, especially if they are using synchronous communication tools or learning platforms such as Second Life.
Also larger groups aren’t as effective as smaller ones, because smaller groups tend to be more cohesive and productive. It’s easier to work in and manage smaller groups.
Group paced learning is more time consuming because groups must negotiate and agree with the methods of work, the communication tools to use (which may not be known to everyone!) and the final product to make. This need for consensus generates a totally different work dynamics in group paced learning. However it can be more motivating and rewarding, because ideally, there is more support from other more able group members.
It’s also more challenging because different work methods and perspectives are discussed. As ideas and learning strategies are discussed, analytical, argumentative and leadership skills are developed.