title: Guiding the creation of knowledge and understanding in a virtual learning environment.
abstract: This article reports findings from an in-depth case study investigating processes of teaching and learning within one tutorial group studying an e-learning course presented as part of the Open University's MA in Open and Distance Education. Drawing on contemporary sociocultural theory and research, the instructional techniques used by the tutor-moderator to guide the creation of "common knowledge" and the construction of understanding are explored. The significance of tutor contributions for fostering a supportive culture of enquiry is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Educational Dialogue Research Unit, Faculty of Education and Language Studies, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. k.s.littleton@open.ac.uk
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Littleton
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Whitelock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D032882:Comprehension; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D005178:Faculty / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D012984:Software; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D014584:User-Computer Interface