This paper describes a model of online learning communities characterized by online mentors (OLCOM). which has been implemented at a large southeastern state university. The OLCOM is a virtual online learning community, which incorporates online mentors to assist online teaching and facilitate online learning along with other members in the OLCOM. The goal of the OLCOM is to ensure that course completion rates and GPAs in OLCOM are as high as those in face-to-face learning communities. The role of each member in OLCOM was described and the effectiveness of OLCOM was assessed by student satisfaction on mentor performance and student performance. This paper concludes that the OLCOM is an effective model for online learning programs.
Relation:
Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 5(2):75-88
