¹Management School, Sheffield University, Sheffield, UK

Correspondence: Dr JP Kawalek, Management School, Sheffield University, Mappin St, Sheffield, S1 4DT, UK. Tel: +44 114 222 3461; Fax: +44 114 222 3348; E-mail: J.Kawalek@sheffield.ac.uk

Abstract

This paper is concerned with managing e-learning communities. It reports on the process and methods adopted in an EU project called MEDFORIST. The challenges of managing this project were considerable because there was significant social diversity amongst the e-leaning community members. The paper outlines some key principles derived from teleology (or, the 'study of purpose') that were used to structure some key aspects of the management of the e-learning group processes. These principles were developed and used, in order to structure enquiring activities to inform the design, monitoring and evaluation activities in the provision of e-learning group processes. The paper outlines the use of such enquiry as a foundation for the continued development of the application of e-learning in contexts in which divergent human groups come together in unstructured, non-prescriptive human learning activities. As such, the paper outlines some key methodological requirements for managing e-learning group processes.