Journal of Educational Media and Library Sciences


Vol. 37 No. 2 , Pages 135 - 144 , 1999

Enhancing Communication by Means of a Virtual Learning Community

Karen VERKLER & Cynthia J. HUTCHINSON

Abstract

A new course that is required for graduation and teacher certification in the State of Florida has been developed. Because of the large number of sections offered each semester to accommodate a growing student population, the course is taught by many different instructors, many of whom are adjuncts and graduate teaching assistants. In order to enhance consistency in course material and delivery of content, facilitate the incorporation of resources and activities within the course curriculum, and improve communication among the large number of faculty teaching the course, a faculty Web site is currently being developed. The Web site includes links to a wide variety of resources, generic curricular information, e-mail connections to regular faculty that teach the course, and a chat room where faculty can engage in serious problem solving and thinking. The goal of this endeavor is the creation of a learning community among all instructors who teach the course, replete with a true sense of communication and collaboration.

Keywords: Learning community; Web site; Collaboration; Teacher education

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