Open Praxis (Jan 2007)
A Study on the Importance of Fostering Trust in a Distance Learning Community
Abstract
This paper describes a study being conducted on a graduate level online distance education course at an African university. This document addresses a research to understand learners’ trust in relation to particular trust factors in her or his academic performance when studying at a distance.In order to attain this goal a study, which accounts for both a quantitative and qualitative data collection was procedure.Results gather therefore confirms the trust relevance when learning at a distance. This work also stresses the importance of fostering trust in a distance learning community and in improving trustful online distance learning environments.Appended to that research is the development of an Information and Communication Technology online course was design, developed and deployed. As a consequence, today Universidade Jean Piaget de Cabo Verde students learn how to use a computer and the internet mainly at a distance.This Information and Communication Technology online course had been applied since 2002 to every initial graduation year at Universidade Jean Piaget de Cabo Verde, in Cape Verde. This setting diminishes possible technological phobia and contributes towards the integration of the use of Information and Communication Technology in students’ daily lives. Thus a contribution to reducing the existing gap between developed and developing countries.
