REFLEXÕES SOBRE A CONSTITUIÇÃO DE COMUNIDADES VIRTUAIS DE APRENDIZAGEM EM ESPAÇOS DE EDUCAÇÃO À DISTÂNCIA

Abstract

Distance learning as a way of teaching tends tohighlight the ideas of learning in virtual communities. Weunderstand that the virtual community is the space whereonline learning occurs. The learning activity in thecommunities is essentially conversation between theparticipants. The methodology of this qualitative studyinvolves the content analysis of the messages posted in thediscussion forum of distance learning subjects in highereducation courses, in order to analyse the processes thatinvolve the formation of virtual learning communities. Thestudy of the dynamics of thought exchanges, based on aPiagetian perspective, is the basis for the comprehension ofthe interaction process. Results point out that there isconnection between the text of the messages and thecontinuity of inter-individual exchanges. It is understoodthat this study can contribute to research in the distancelearning area, mainly with methodology for onlineeducation.

Index Terms - distance learning, virtual learningcommunities, discussion forum.