Loading...
2 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
- Building a virtual community of practice of researchers in Open and Distance Learning (ODL): an exploratory studyPublication . Morgado, Lina; Rocha, Maria Antonieta; Seco, Carlos; Saraiva, Fernando; Oliveira, Nuno RicardoThis article describes a study focused on a group of researchers from a Portuguese Higher ducation Research Center (R&DU). We wanted to see if these researchers considered themselves a community of learning, of practice, or of any type, emerging from the use of virtual environments. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study, integrated in a broader research. We started by making a reflection on the concepts of new forms of learning that are currently breaking out in the network. We then conducted a survey doing semi-structured interviews with a limited group of peers, in order to create an instrument to validate the premise that a group of researchers may function as a learning community or a community of practice. Results showed that the researchers highlighted the importance of interaction and involvement with the Center activities, the lack of alignment between peers and projects, and the need to create the conditions for their functioning as a community. With the results from the interview, we identified some areas for future work, like the need to create a digital platform to foster the needs of a virtual learning and sharing.
- Virtual communities of practice in distance education: An exploratory study for its developmentPublication . Morgado, Lina; Rocha, Antonieta; Seco, Carlos; Saraiva, Fernando; Oliveira, Nuno RicardoAs part of the online experience of researchers from a Portuguese Higher Education Research Center, there was a need to ascertain whether these researchers consider themselves within a community of practice, learning, or other community emerging from virtual environments. An exploratory study of a qualitative nature was conducted, based on a semi-structured interview with a limited peer group, in order to create a tool for a broad study to validate the premise that a group of researchers may function as a community of practice or as a learning community. A group of researchers from this center considered it important to find out what are the communication weaknesses and other dimensions of this center's virtual community for future investments and to improve their interaction as a community. This article aims, in addition to a reflection on the concepts of the new forms that are currently breaking out in the network, to analyze the results of the interviews and to reflect on future work cues for the creation of a virtual learning and sharing community. Moreover, the conclusions of this exploratory study are intended to be the basis for the construction of a questionnaire intended to be applied to all researchers.