Computing Dissertation Written Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Computing Dissertation Written Report - Essay Example The area of e-learning has had development on the internet but it is an area that most people are not using for entertainment value. This is an important issue to think about when creating an e-learning website. People would not visit a site for fun; they will however visit for a specific purpose and choose not to use it again. To resolve this issue, visitors registering with the website should be welcomed and instantly facilitated to see the various communities in action. They may then choose to subscribe in one of them. Since learners are now engaged with computers, they lack a natural social outlet which can lead to feelings of isolation.   Because isolation is a major contributor to attrition (Morgan & Tam, 1999), one potential strategy for reducing users leaving the site is to encouraging users to support each other and a sense of belonging to a community.   The task of this paper is to structure the website so learners have mechanisms to connect with each other and form communities. Selznik (1996) identifies seven elements of community: history, identity, mutuality, plurality, autonomy, participation, and integration. With respect to virtual learning communities, Schwier (in press) adds: an orientation to the future, technology, and learning. Some of these characteristics of community will be present from the beginning. Others, the cohort will have to grow into. There is an importance to detail these 10 characteristics, and discuss how they can be used for purposes of this website. Selznik notes that communities are stronger when their members share history and culture, rather than simply abstract general interests. They build an identity and sense of belongingness. Schwier’s suggested strategies for fostering identity include team-building exercises, developing community logos, and public acknowledgement of individual and group accomplishments within the community. He also noted the importance of articulating the