Guidelines to foster interaction in online communities for Learning Networks

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the communities that arise within the confines of a Learn-ing Network. As they are not preconfigured, members and all, but are thought to emerge spontaneously, out of their own volition as it were, the question arises how their continued existence may be safe-guarded. What measures and tools, or Learning Network Services, may foster the well-being of communities once they have emerged? How can one make sure that a community, which its members consider valuable, does not disappear because the costs of maintaining it become prohibitive?