Dimensions of learning and support in an online community

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the nature of an online community that exists amongst students in a full‐time teacher education program delivered at a distance. Students differentiate between two principal areas of their community—learning and support—and appear to act differently in relation to those areas. The nature of those differences is explored through the students' words as a way of enriching understanding of the complex nature of online learning communities.

Keywords:

• Online communities
• Interaction
• Learning
• Support

Notes

* Massey University College of Education, PB 11‐222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bill Anderson*

* Massey University College of Education, PB 11‐222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]