What are the conditions for and characteristics of effective online learning communities?
Scope
This guide is premised on the notion that ‘online communities’ are an increasingly important part of the way we will operate, as teachers, learners, and citizens of a networked world, and, the benefits we accept from these new ways of working. This guide explores definitions and characteristics of online communities synthesised from the literature, summarises key success factors, and provides references to additional material for those who want to know more. It focuses in particular on online communities as part of teaching and learning, and on ‘communities of practice’ in vocational education and training (VET).
