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Virtual learning communities (VLCs) rethinking: the virtualization process

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Abstract

The present study attempts to investigate the virtualization process of a community. An existing physical learning community (PLC) was transformed into a virtual one (VLC) through the Wikispaces web-based collaborative platform. We analyze the dialogues exchanged and the artifacts created, focusing on the detection of the aggressive behavior (bullying), the teacher’s role, and the presence of inner speech as well. The key question is whether community and its members are positively affected by its virtualization process. Results indicate that the attempted “virtualization” could be a promising framework to behavior modification. Systematic instruction positively affects this process. Finally, inner speech is an indicator of a well-working community.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Humanistic and Social Informatics Laboratory, Department of Informatics (HILab), Ionian University, 7 Tsirigoti Square, 49100, Corfu, Greece

    Stefanos Nikiforos & Katia-Lida Kermanidis

  2. Bioinformatics and Human Electrophysiology Laboratory (BiHE Lab), Ionian University, 7 Tsirigoti Square, 49100, Corfu, Greece

    Spyros Tzanavaris

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  1. Stefanos Nikiforos
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  2. Spyros Tzanavaris
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Correspondence to Stefanos Nikiforos.

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Nikiforos, S., Tzanavaris, S. & Kermanidis, KL. Virtual learning communities (VLCs) rethinking: the virtualization process. J. Comput. Educ. 5, 481–497 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-018-0125-x

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