Virtual communities of learning

Abstract

The present contribution approaches the nature, sense, and utility of the virtual communities of learning. Part to locate historically and conceptually the learning communities, reviewing aspects related to the minimum conditions for its constitution and to the principles and strategies of intervention.
Synthesized aspects of virtual classroom, school, and territory communities, aspects related and referred to virtual communities and virtual learning communities. On the matter, one we review the definition, characteristics, typology, processes of constitution and operation.
Finally, we present some learnings link to start up of operation of learning networks of the Accelera platform framework. The majority makes reference to their sense, personal processes implied (personal security, social identity, effects of oral tradition…), limitations, utility and change of professor and students’ roles, and other organizational aspects.