Η χρήση και η χρησιμότητα των διαδικτυακών μαθησιακών κοινοτήτων για τη μαθησιακή διεργασία

Abstract

Τhe new trend that predominates lately in online learning based on theories such as “constructivism”, is the participation of learners in online learning communities with the aim to gain or enrich their knowledge on a topic, through the interaction and co-operation with other peers. Two questions arise: firstly, in what sectors and in what manner are online communities used in learning, and secondly, are they conducive to effective learning?
So, the purpose of this study is to answer these questions, relevant to the utilization and usability of online learning communities in the learning process. Toward that end, we employed the method of literature research, studying books, internet data bases, conferences records, but mostly, academic journal articles, relevant to the subject.
The research pointed out that online learning communities are used inside or outside the educational system, in a formal, non-formal, as well as informal way. They can be useful in learning, but we have to monitor the entire process very carefully, as there exist both promoting, but also inhibiting factors that challenge learning effectiveness