Building Web Based Communities: Factors Supporting Collaborative Knowledge-Building

Web based training is utilized by many organizations, yet trainers rate this method of training comparatively low in meeting training objectives. Many trainers indicate that collaboration and communities of practice are key elements in transferring learning to improved productivity. This study examined the role of the development, maintenance and use of Web based communities to increase satisfaction with knowledge gained in college courses. The results indicate that interaction and collaboration, appropriately structured into courses, can foster learning in communities. The study has implications for the development and use of communities of practice to foster continual learning and improved performance in organizations. (Contains 1 table.) [For complete proceedings, see ED491481.]