i-Communities as Cooperative Learning Spaces: The Case of the “Knowledge Forum”

G. Elia and A. Poce (eds.), Open Networked “i-Learning”: Models and Cases of “Next-Gen” Learning, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4419-6854-8_2, © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010 Abstract The model devised in the first chapter is here developed taking as main “driving light” the concept of interactivity: one of the keywords that have been highlighted as the ideas around which design, implement, deliver and monitor a learning experience contextualized in the open learning incubator. This chapter is centered, in fact, on the peculiarities of on line learning communities and it deepens topics related to the rise and development of social networking and the consequent creation of cooperative learning spaces. The aim is that of presenting a clear picture of the nature, potentialities and effective strengths of online learning communities that could represent the solution for the requirements our changing society is demanding. Moreover, according to the paradigm shift which characterizes the model of the learning incubator, this chapter aims at discussing the pedagogical foundations of on line learning communities, the new role of the involved actors, the change of strategy, the different approach to contents and to the use of technology, the updated conception of space and time characterizing the learning dynamics. Referring to the six dimensions highlighted in Chap. 1, this chapter can be represented by the following radar.