Psychnology

PsychNology Journal, Volume 3, Number 2, 162-180

Learning Together “There”-Hybrid “Place” as a Conceptual Vantage Point for Understanding Virtual Learning Communities in Higher Education Context

Johanna Pöysä
Institute for Educational Research, University of Jyväskylä (FINLAND)
Center for Instructional Psychology and Technology, University of Leuven (BELGIUM)

Joost Lowyck
Center for Instructional Psychology and Technology, University of Leuven

Päivi Häkkinen
Institute for Educational Research, University of Jyväskylä (FINLAND)

ABSTRACT

This article examines the concept of virtual learning community as a hybrid learning place. It is argued that a hybrid place experience could provide a conceptual vantage point to better understand the origins of virtual learning communities in higher education context. With some empirical observations it is demonstrated what may constitute students’ experiences of hybridity during a web-based university course. It suggested that the research on learning places should include not only virtual but also physical environments, with individually-focused ways. Finally, the role and the challenges of educational design in optimising resources for virtual learning communities to develop are discussed.

KEYWORDS

CITE AS

Pöysä J., Lowyck J., Häkkinen P. (2005). Learning Together “There”-Hybrid “Place” as a Conceptual Vantage Point for Understanding Virtual Learning Communities in Higher Education Context, PsychNology Journal, 3(2), 162-180. Retrieved [month] [day], [year], from ww.psychnology.org.

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