Does the medium dictate the message? Cultivating communication in an asynchronous environment

Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are often perceived by education establishments as an opportunity to widen access without traditional overheads. An integral part of most VLEs is asynchronous computer conferencing and on-line moderators must help students migrate quickly to the new virtual environment to minimize learning disruption. This paper focuses on 21 new on-line moderators and reports their changing perceptions re their role and concerns, from their first appointment through to the end of the delivery of their first on-line course. The findings suggest that it is only after socialization occurs that information can be exchanged and lead to knowledge construction. These are supported by, and extend, prior research by Z Berge, R Mason, M Paulsen and G Salmon and are reinforced by empirical work with a further 19 new on-line moderators.