5. Social aspects: learning groups (and the members)
Online learning occurs as individual self-directed learning. Learners engage intensively with the learning content following their own individual plan at their convenient place, time, speed. They find a learning spot within their busy schedule of other priorities and responsibilities. Thanks to eLearning tools, online learning can also be organised in teams of two learners (tandem) to facilitate partnership. Members of the same tandem may find information and work on assignment together.
Online learning can also be organised in small groups. Members of small groups work together on finding and processing information or handling more complex assignments. Groups are more fruitful when they are bound by livery information exchange. A certain amount of coordination is needed for an orderly exchange between group members. Group members may come together for live exchange of information, which may be referred to as a plenary session. This session may meet face-to-face or be mediated via different technologies that enable live discussion: live forum discussion, live chat, live microblogging (via Twitter), live Facebook posting, etc. Individual, tandem and groups of online learners may expect individual or collective/group mentorship/coaching from eTutor.