Collaboration, Communication, and Learning in a Virtual Community

2011 ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seungyeon Han ◽  
Janette R. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The World ◽  
Bulletin Boards

The use of the World Wide Web (Web) for teaching and learning in higher education has increased exponentially in the last five years. Traditional universities (e.g., MIT, University System of California) as well as “virtual universities” (e.g., Western Governors University, Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University) have moved toward offering courses and degrees around the world. Web-driven communication systems have further increased the popularity of Web-based learning. Web-based course-management and communication systems (e.g., WebCT®, Ellumination®) are specifically aimed at using the Web to support students, instructors, and experts in communicating, sharing, and collaborating with each other in the process of learning. At present, almost any Web-based application may be labeled “collaborative.” Web technologies make possible many-to-many asynchronous and synchronous communication, enabling both time and/or place independence. Time and place independence are important because they offer online learning systems the opportunities to move from individualist modes of delivery to group-oriented interactive modes (Davies, 1995). However, Internet tools such as chat, bulletin boards, or e-mail do not organize the interactions for learning (Roschelle & Pea, 1999), nor were they designed for building and sharing collaborative knowledge. Without advanced pedagogical preparation, these applications may not contribute to collaborative learning. Web-based applications can be empowering, enabling collaborative learning among participants and facilitating the creation of virtual learning communities. However, the underlying theoretical framework to explain how collaborative learning or community building might occur in Web-based contexts does not yet exist. Further, there is little to no agreement amongst researchers related to fundamental concepts associated with virtual communities (e.g., collaboration, communication, or learning) (Lipponen, 2002; Pea, 1996). While this ambiguity can be disconcerting, it is also exciting, reflecting the diversity of emerging field and paradigm for teaching and learning in virtual environments. It is necessary to review this emerging field from multiple perspectives to clarify ambiguity and embrace diversity. Through these efforts, we may be able to suggest new ways of understanding virtual learning communities, exploring what we mean by collaboration, communication, and learning, and thus enable the forward movement of the field.

Collaboration, Communication, and Learning in a Virtual Community

2008 ◽  
pp. 69-79
Author(s):  
Seungyeon Han ◽  
Janette R. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The World ◽  
Bulletin Boards

The use of the World Wide Web (Web) for teaching and learning in higher education has increased exponentially in the last five years. Traditional universities (e.g., MIT, University System of California) as well as “virtual universities” (e.g., Western Governors University, Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University) have moved toward offering courses and degrees around the world. Web-driven communication systems have further increased the popularity of Web-based learning. Web-based course-management and communication systems (e.g., WebCT®, Ellumination®) are specifically aimed at using the Web to support students, instructors, and experts in communicating, sharing, and collaborating with each other in the process of learning. At present, almost any Web-based application may be labeled “collaborative.” Web technologies make possible many-to-many asynchronous and synchronous communication, enabling both time and/or place independence. Time and place independence are important because they offer online learning systems the opportunities to move from individualist modes of delivery to group-oriented interactive modes (Davies, 1995). However, Internet tools such as chat, bulletin boards, or e-mail do not organize the interactions for learning (Roschelle & Pea, 1999), nor were they designed for building and sharing collaborative knowledge. Without advanced pedagogical preparation, these applications may not contribute to collaborative learning. Web-based applications can be empowering, enabling collaborative learning among participants and facilitating the creation of virtual learning communities. However, the underlying theoretical framework to explain how collaborative learning or community building might occur in Web-based contexts does not yet exist. Further, there is little to no agreement amongst researchers related to fundamental concepts associated with virtual communities (e.g., collaboration, communication, or learning) (Lipponen, 2002; Pea, 1996). While this ambiguity can be disconcerting, it is also exciting, reflecting the diversity of emerging field and paradigm for teaching and learning in virtual environments. It is necessary to review this emerging field from multiple perspectives to clarify ambiguity and embrace diversity. Through these efforts, we may be able to suggest new ways of understanding virtual learning communities, exploring what we mean by collaboration, communication, and learning, and thus enable the forward movement of the field.

Developing information literacy courses for students through virtual learning environments in Tanzania: Prospects and challenges

IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522110182
Author(s):  
Evans F Wema
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Virtual Learning Environments ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
The Face

This article reviews literature on the use of virtual learning environments by highlighting their potential and the challenges of introducing the same in Tanzania. It introduces the concept of virtual learning environments by demonstrating their applications to support teaching and learning. The article discusses the use of virtual learning environments in teaching information literacy courses by highlighting the success of using such tools in facilitating the teaching of information literacy courses to library users. In this review, special emphasis is placed on attempts by Tanzanian institutions of higher learning to introduce web-based teaching of information literacy and the challenges faced. The review reveals the need for Tanzanian institutions of higher learning to develop virtual learning environments to facilitate the teaching of information literacy courses to students and faculty so as to reach many of those who may not manage to attend the face-to-face information literacy sessions that are offered by librarians on a regular basis.

Web Based Home Learning Application For Basic School Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Gregorius Ericco Jansen ◽  
I Komang Ari Mogi
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Web Design ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Home Learning ◽  
The World ◽  
Technological Developments

Currently, technological developments, especially in the field of information technology and computers, are developing very rapidly. In current conditions, the world is shocked by the presence of a deadly virus called the Covid-19 virus. Because of the virus, all human activities are disrupted and even stopped, one of which is teaching and learning activities in schools. With the development of technology like now, we can take advantage of this technology to help students in the learning process at school. Web design is an alternative way to keep the learning process going. With this distance learning process students can still learn and receive the material given.  

Evaluating Trends and Issues in Distance Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 130-145
Author(s):  
Seda Khadimally
Keyword(s):  
Learning Communities ◽  
Educational Leaders ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Learning Gains ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Social Media Networks ◽  
Online Social Media ◽  
The World ◽  
Technology Trends

Today's learners are intrinsically motivated in that they are apt to analyze, synthesize, internalize, rebuild, share, and disseminate knowledge not only with their instructors, but also their peers, and the greater community, including a plethora of learning communities from across the world. Web-based technologies play a key role in this learning process. Particularly online social media networks and mobile technologies, the two selected technology trends evaluated in this paper, are thriving in online learning/teaching settings, immensely helping students acquire valid learning gains. These technologies are not a fad, a myth, or talk-of-the-day in learning and teaching environments in any given discipline. With that said, there are also certain issues and challenges that accompany these media and technologies for learning and teaching practices, which will also be addressed in this paper. Finally, future implications on these trends and issues in DL will be further discussed with the hope that educational leaders can draw on them for further inquiry and development in the field.

scholarly journals Using Web-Based, Group Communication Systems to Support Case Study Learning at a Distance

2002 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Anderson ◽  
Liam Rourke
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Group Communication ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Case Based Learning ◽  
Group Communication Systems ◽  
Case Based

<P class=abstract>This study explored the capacity of Web-based, group communication systems to support case-based teaching and learning. Eleven graduate students studying at a distance were divided into three groups to collaborate on a case study using either a synchronous voice, an asynchronous voice, or a synchronous text communication system. Participants kept a detailed log of the time they spent on various activities, wrote a 1,500-word reflection on their experience, and participated in a group interview. Analysis of these data reveals that each group supplemented the system that had been assigned to them with additional communication systems in order to complete the project. Each of these systems were used strategically: email was used to share files and arrange meetings, and synchronous voice systems were used to brainstorm and make decisions. Learning achievement was high across groups and students enjoyed collaborating with others on a concrete task. Keywords: Distance Education, Case-based Learning, Collaboration Software, Online Learning.</P> <P>The evidence in favour of case-based teaching and learning continues to mount (cf. Lundeberg, Levin, and Harrington, 1999). One interesting facet of this research suggests that group discussions are the active ingredient of case study learning. For on-campus students this is simple to arrange, but where does it leave students who are studying at a distance? Case studies are often used in distance education, but traditionally they have been implemented in an independent mode, with students reading a problem-centred or exemplary narrative in order to contemplate its central issues. This type of case-based teaching omits what may be the most important part of case-based pedagogy.</P> <P>Fortunately, a wide array of Web-based communication software exists that supports various types of communication at a distance, including text or voice, person-to-person or multi-person, and synchronous or asynchronous interaction. The relative effectiveness of these systems to support collaboration among students is an important issue to distance educators.</P>

Evaluating Trends and Issues in Distance Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 1971-1986
Author(s):  
Seda Khadimally
Keyword(s):  
Learning Communities ◽  
Educational Leaders ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Learning Gains ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Social Media Networks ◽  
Online Social Media ◽  
The World ◽  
Technology Trends

Today's learners are intrinsically motivated in that they are apt to analyze, synthesize, internalize, rebuild, share, and disseminate knowledge not only with their instructors, but also their peers, and the greater community, including a plethora of learning communities from across the world. Web-based technologies play a key role in this learning process. Particularly online social media networks and mobile technologies, the two selected technology trends evaluated in this paper, are thriving in online learning/teaching settings, immensely helping students acquire valid learning gains. These technologies are not a fad, a myth, or talk-of-the-day in learning and teaching environments in any given discipline. With that said, there are also certain issues and challenges that accompany these media and technologies for learning and teaching practices, which will also be addressed in this paper. Finally, future implications on these trends and issues in DL will be further discussed with the hope that educational leaders can draw on them for further inquiry and development in the field.

Pandemonium, panic and the pandemic: implications for human resource development from an unplanned shift to online learning

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra A. Robinson ◽  
Maja Stojanović ◽  
Zachary Z. Robinson ◽  
Renata Russo Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Resource Development ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to explore the experiences of a high school senior, a doctoral student, a university professor and an online academic coach with a rapid, unplanned shift to online learning in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand the challenges and distinct skills they identify as essential for success in a 100% virtual learning environment. Design/methodology/approach Through scholarly personal narratives (SPNs), the researchers shared details and authentic knowledge regarding their experiences and perceptions of successful teaching and learning in a 100% online learning environment. Findings The main goal was to identify necessary skills for success in a 100% virtual learning environment resulting from an unplanned shift. The findings show a need for learner and teacher self-directedness in developing a variety of nontraditional, critical literacies. Originality/value In light of the imposed and unplanned educational shifts in teaching and learning, this study has strong practical implications for human resource development offered through an analysis of multiple perspectives. This research may lead to a better understanding of how, in a period of rapid, unexpected shifts, individuals need to use self-directedness to leverage personal and professional development opportunities to adapt and succeed in the new environment. Additionally, the authors use an innovative critical theoretical framework to outline the skills the participants report as useful for success in an online classroom during a period of rapid, unexpected shifting.

scholarly journals Teachers Access to a Brazilian Virtual Learning Community Over Time: Why They do Not Come Back

EAD em FOCO ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Pinto da Luz ◽  
Daniel Salvador ◽  
Luiz Rolando
Keyword(s):  
Learning Communities ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Biology Teachers ◽  
Sharp Drop ◽  
Virtual Learning Community ◽  
Demographic Profiles ◽  
Digital Skills

A virtual learning community, created in association with courses offered within an online professional development program for Brazilian biology teachers, was reviewed over a two-year period. This virtual learning community is designed to be moderated and managed solely by the teachers themselves without any guidance. The results showed a recurring participation pattern, expressed by a large number of page and message views, for short periods of time during the courses, followed by a sharp drop in those views after the courses closed. This pattern was unrelated to course subject or duration. The questionnaires revealed that teachers who did or did not access the virtual community after the end of their courses were indistinguishable from their demographic profiles or digital skills. The analysis of teachers responses to the questionnaire showed that the lack of time due to work overload was the main reason why teachers abandoned the virtual learning community, regardless of highly positive user evaluations. The implications of the results for the future implementation of virtual learning communities in developing countries are discussed. Keywords: In-service teacher education. Lifelong learning. Virtual Learning Communities

Teaching Dimension in Web-Based Learning Communities

2011 ◽  
pp. 59-68
Author(s):  
Pozzi Francesca
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Computer Supported Collaborative Learning ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Teaching Dimension ◽  
The University

The article tackles the issue of the teaching dimension in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) contexts. In particular, it describes two Web-based courses that were held in 2006—one by the Istituto Tecnologie Didattiche – CNR and one by the University of Genoa, which, while sharing the socioconstructivist theoretical framework, adopt different approaches as far as the teaching dimension is concerned: While in the former course tutors were asked to cover all the functions typically required by e-tutors, in the latter, experience functions were distributed across a variety of actors. The aim of the work is to foster reflections about strong points and weaknesses of the two approaches, thus leading to considerations concerning the applicability of the models even in contexts different from the original ones.

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