Developing Online Learning Communities:

Five Factors to Consider in a Journey without Maps

Susan E. Kerstein

(Human Services/Social Science Departments

NationalLouis University, USA)

Abstract  Through a three year qualitative research study, the researcher examed how faculty in higher education are thinking about, constructing and developing interactive learning environments, and identified five fundamental factors to consider in developing effective online learning communities, Which may help to negotiate the new environment for students and faculty.

Key words  online learning community; online education; interaction; facetoface group process theory

【CLC nurnbers】G434

【Document code】 A

【Article ID】1007-2179(2005)01-0055-03