
Building a Virtual Community: A Case Study of Professional and Technical Communication
http://www.stc.org/confproceed/1998/PDFs/00024.PDF
Draper, Richard, Kathy Knight and Alison Sanders
STC Proceedings
1998
Abstract:
The Diploma of Professional and Technical Communication is an Internet-based course, developed and taught by Christchurch Polytechnic in conjunction with University of Western Sydney, Nepean. Developing a student community is essential in an effective learning environment. The diploma is designed to encourage online student participation with the aim of promoting a virtual community. Elements of effective online course design include clear learning outcomes, tutors who motivate, activities to encourage participation, and prompt feedback. The analysis of student online interpersonal communication showed a successful virtual community was in fact created.