Virtual community in the classroom: An innovating tool for elearning

Abstract

This research in progress introduces a learning architecture where ICT tools complement the traditional models of formative process management through a moderated virtual community in the classroom. In particular, the research presents the main features of the conceptual framework leading to the implementation of such architecture in a web-based system. Among the several experiences of its usage, we report here the example of the application of this framework in a class of Information Systems Planning, to teach how to model the requirements of a system and it is being customized to teach modeling of hardware systems. virtual community; e-learning framework; web-based system; community software architecture. © 2004 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.