Developing the e-learning community

This paper considers aspects of the theory and practice of e-learning communities. To date much of the research and discussion in this area has been drawn from experiences in education where the prevalent model is best described as supported on-line learning. Propositions on the structure of the e-learning community, and on the role of the moderator, have been based largely on lessons drawn from practice in higher education. The growing importance of e-learning as a tool for informal learning and team development in business is leading to new types of e-learning communities with different objectives, different boundaries and membership, different demands on the moderator and different measures of effectiveness. Two e-learning communities are outlined and some key characteristics are presented.