Issues in online learning and building virtual learning communities in Latin America: An exploratory study (Costa Rica, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico)

With the growing number of computers and access to the Internet, online learning is becoming a viable alternative for increasing numbers of Latin Americans. This case study reported on the design and development, and delivery of two master's level online courses that were delivered to 17 students in Costa Rica, Venezuela, Peru, and Mexico. Since most of these students had limited resources, numerous obstacles had to be overcome before these students could form a virtual learning community.; This study focused on the aspect of community in this international context. This researcher was interested in understanding how these Latin Americans perceived learning in a virtual community and the degree to which current community building strategies and practices were effective in this environment.; Socio-cultural, socio-economic, and socio-political impediments to learning in this online environment were identified. Strategies for overcoming these obstacles were also identified and some were implemented.; These learners described an ideal sense of online community as primarily a cognitive environment that produces prolonged interaction, rather than an affective environment which helps learners compensate for a lack of social presence and overcome feelings of isolation. Therefore, the most effective community building strategies appear to be those which help facilitate interaction, debate, and intellectual stimulation. A-synchronous technologies proved to be the most appropriate in this context. On the other hand, wide use of synchronous technologies is not a viable option at this time. Some students preferred to interact using e-mail rather than web-based discussion boards since e-mail is free in many Latin American countries, and extended time connecting to the Internet is costly.; Contrary to precedent literature, the absence of social presence and social cues reduced rather than increased the potential for arguments or flaming in this context. In fact, these learners appeared to be courteous and polite to the degree that healthy debate may have been hindered. Because of the exploratory nature of this qualitative study more research is need to identify the plausible causes for this behavior and other behaviors.