Building a Learning Community

Stephen Downes

[This into text was written by Mark Fletcher, so disregard the adjectives...]

April, 2001 5.30pm-7.30pm at the Buzzard Lecture Theatre, Burge Building, Trinity College Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Stephen Downes, the renowned Canadian web learning expert will speak on "Building a learning community". Stephen designed and built the highly successful MuniMall on-line community in Canada (www.munimall.net), has published and presented widely on related topics (www.downes.ca) and consults extensively on practical and conceptual issues in education in the new economy.

A key theme of Stephen's presentation will be that successful learning communities have eight main attributes:

1. Focus on learning materials
2. Creation of a sense of whole
3. Integrate content and communication
4. Appreciate participant-generated content
5. On-going communication between members
6. Access to multiple resources and information
7. Educational orientation
8. Sense of history