The aim of the seminar series is to establish a firm theoretical and methodological foundation for research into synchronous and asynchronous dialogue in e-communities of enquiry in higher education.

Research into the nature of electronic communities of enquiry in higher education is in its infancy. Evaluations of curricular initiatives have, on the whole, been short-termist. Conceptual models of learning in e-communities are under-developed. Rather, technological advances appear to have driven development.

To date, e-learning has been conceived in terms of conventional learning; but it requires a re-thinking of the nature, social context and dynamics of learning. The research agenda has yet to be fully articulated, both in terms of its theoretical and conceptual basis; and in terms of the methodologies used to investigate it.

It is thus time to take stock of research into dialogue and communication in e-communities of enquiry at higher education level to determine the nature of learning, the extent and nature of the communities, and to determine how these compare to or relate to conventional practices.