Learning by distance in a new mode, namely eLearning, is both exciting and challenging! Learning, by its very nature, forces us out of our comfort zones and can make us feel very uncomfortable about new concepts, ideas, terms and problems that we encounter in expanding our knowledge and skills. This feeling of awkwardness can be even greater for people who study by eLearning mode as they do not have the benefit of sharing their concerns with fellow students in a classroom environment.

However this challenge can be overcome by developing strong links with fellow participants who are studying the same eLearning training program or award course. In this sense, you will be developing a learning community. A learning community is essentially a common place where people learn through group activity to define problems affecting them, to decide upon a solution, and to act to achieve the solution.

You can work with your peers in a number of ways outside of scheduled tutorials or training sessions. Be sure to record the contact details of you peers so that you can:

• meet face-to-face regularly or on an as-needed basis
• text, call, chat or e-mail one another to discuss your study
• prepare group presentation or assignments
• meet with peers to revise for examinations