Facilitation is a key factor in ensuring the success of class discussions. Traditionally, instructors are the ones who assume the role of facilitators in discussions. Online learning environments open opportunities for students to assume the role of facilitators. In well-designed online learning communities, spontaneous facilitation would likely…

In this article we suggest a facilitating process for nurturing a community of practice (CoP). This process can be seen as a reverse LPP (legitimate peripheral participation) process where a community starts with a group of core members and gradually grows to encourage new members into a CoP. In the heart of the reverse LPP process is the identity…

Proposes a framework for the design of computer-mediated communication (CMC) environments that combines constructivist learning environments (CLEs) and dynamic learning environments (DLEs). Highlights include learner involvement in the problem authenticity; computer-supported collaborative learning; goal-based scenarios; integrating CLEs and DLEs;…