IT takes a village: Virtual communities in support of education

Universities spend copious amounts of money for computer laboratories, for connections of dormitory rooms to campus networks, and for faculty workstations. Students who enter universities are more familiar with the Internet and World Wide Web than their predecessors. This base of sophisticated users and available technological infrastructure constitute a platform from which educators can apply leverage to reach potential students, to encourage present student learning, and to maintain connections with students subsequent to their graduations. Virtual communities offer educators the opportunity to interact with students in a more energetic manner and to encourage continued learning while doing so. This paper describes the characteristics of virtual communities and the contributions which they make toward the educational process. The reader will find guidelines for the implementation of virtual communities including considerations for design, management issues, and requirements for resources.

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