Title: Newbs vs. geeks: encouraging creativity in an online learning community

Authors: Sophie Nichol, Katherine Blashki

Addresses: School of Engineering and Information Technology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, VIC, Australia. ' School of Engineering and Information Technology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, VIC, Australia

Abstract: This article explores the development and creative practices of an online community within an Australian university. The authors argue that creativity can be enhanced and supported by the development and implementation of purpose-specific learning environments, such as an online learning community. Within such a community the participants are exposed to a number of requisite elements designed to support the exploration of their own learning process and the development of creativity. The following study discusses the establishment of such a community and the social, cultural and learning practices of the student participants.

Keywords: creativity support systems; CSS; learning; web based communities; learning environment; games culture; virtual communities; online communities; online learning; Australia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2008.016488

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2008 Vol.4 No.1, pp.17 - 32

Published online: 02 Jan 2008 *

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