A process model for building social capital in virtual learning communities

Abstract

Social capital adds significant value to learning in virtual learning environments. Social capital is created when learners interact with each other, by exchanging rich and thoughtful experiences among themselves through storytelling. Little research has focused on how this stock of capital is valued in virtual environments. The goal of this paper is to describe how social capital is created, through storytelling. Trust is essential for building social capital in virtual learning environments. This paper presents a process model for creating and maintaining social capital in virtual communities based on trust.