User:MaryIT

in our recent deiscussion about acitivite for online learning communites it was suggested that we would use teleconferencing for building the community. 

in Cox et at.al 2002 I found the next passage

What are the merits of different forms of computer mediated instruction available for post-graduate instruction? 

Due to the higher proportion of off the topic banter and casual chatter in the chats compared with the forums, it would appear that the chats might be a more suitable vehicle for the development of social cohesion within the class, than as a place to acquire knowledge. In chat 2 lecturer B introduced and explained the concept of a ‘simulacrum’, by giving an example of where it occurred. He referred to this concept the following week in the third chat, but the students could not remember what it meant. Another recent study that included similar analysis of an economics undergraduate course suggests that when there are clear learning objectives and strong agreements concerning process and effective facilitation the synchronous environment is useful (Carr et al. 2002).

full article at : cox 2002

I would suggest to the development team that this acitivty would not be classified as 'community bulder' but rather as a possible extra support for some learners