Building a virtual community for a tele-learning environment

This article presents the results of a research project that requires students and faculty to evolve a virtual community in a university class. The concepts, requirements, and importance of a virtual community are discussed, along with the skill requirements necessary for students to participate effectively in a virtual community. The Web sites and class assignments that form the basis of a virtual community are described. Finally, the importance of enriching the learning experience and humanizing the learning process through the use of a virtual community is also discussed.