A Research On Communication In Educational Virtual Communities

With the informationization of education, the development of multi-media and network technology, and the research progress of the learning theory, it is now possible to pursue the full exertion and optimization of information technology in education. The virtual educational community on the Internet, which is seen as a burgeoning educational space, attracts certain academic attention under such circumstances. However, without its benefits brought into full play, the virtual educational community has been concomitant of several social and educational issues. The principles of communication within the educational virtual community have not been correctly summarized and known, thus there are few appropriate guidance and strategies for people to follow. The particular theory and methodology for communication within virtual educational community has consequently become a requisite.This research addresses the demand by offering practical theory, strategy and methodology for educational virtual community development. It will help build new teaching and learning modes that make equality, collaboration and sharing happen in the virtual community. Based on the author's first-hand practice in classroom, applying philosophy, pedagogy, psychology, theories of communication, recognition and educational technology, and combining case studies and theoretical investigation, this research systematically analyzes the virtual educational community as a human-machine co-existing system with both technical and sociological characteristicsoAfter reviewing the different factors that influence the conception of community through history, the research assumes that the inner logic in the evolvement of the educational virtual community should the natural human needs for better personal relationship in favor of personal...