Electronic learning communities?: lessons from the ether

This paper will summarise research-in-progress into indicators of learning occurring in email discussion groups. The research seeks to investigate how can we maximise the factors that enhance learning and networking using electronic mail, and conversely, how we can minimise those factors that inhibit learning using this media. Data from a range of email discussion groups form the basis of the research, with focus on email discussion that supports informal learning contexts. These include community groups, groups using email for professional development purposes, and within-organisation groups. The paper will compare and contrast what is known about learning in traditional group formats with learning utilising electronic media, thereby providing an analysis of the intersection of conditions that seem to effect the utility of the email discussion group as a forum for learning.

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