Chapter 18: Connecting Learners in Virtual Space: Forming Learning Communities

Facilitated by the scope and the speed of advances in technology, the higher educational landscape is changing rapidly. For example, with enhanced broadband availability and with the ongoing development of learning management systems that better enable the use of Web 2.0 technology, universities worldwide are moving increasingly to external (distance) markets and online delivery of courses. These changes have led to expanded markets and increased competition for universities. Traditional delivery of lectures, practicals, and tutorials now has a major competitor in the alternatives that are on offer through distance and online education. Online students are becoming an entirely new cohort of higher education learners (Diaz, 2002).