Monday, May 25, 2009

Virtual Learning Communities


Educational MUVES: Virtual Learning Communities

Jeff Cooper

Education Technology Specialist
College of Education Pacific University

Introduction

Virtual Learning Communities (VLCs) differ from Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) because the very nature of “community” holds greater meaning and potential than “environment.” Environments offer a surrounding within which to create, explore and learn. Communities offer tools inherent within environments, but also sustain professional growth and development through their ongoing nature. Collaboration takes place within both VLCs and VLEs; however once a course is complete in a VLE, the collaboration ceases, or diminishes greatly between the participants. VLCs focus on creating and sustaining professional relationships through time, with no end date. A VLE may or may not choose to embrace the VLC concept; those in charge of a VLE may take it towards asynchronous coursework, with distinct beginning and end points; or another, towards polysynchronous professional collaboration and community building, with increasing the size and wealth of the community over years is the goal.


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