Equality, communication and collaboration in online learning environment: an example of language education for refugees

This paper examines the positive and negative effects of online learning in creating an effective virtual learning community, based on communication, cooperation and equality. On the basis of a project called "online support for language and cultural studies for refugees and foreigners in the Czech Republic", tested in a pilot run in the fourth quarter of 2003, the author suggests some observations relating to her personal experience with building a virtual learning and social community in refugee (foreigner) education. Finally, the author discusses the challenge of implementing online forms of education into traditionally face-to-face language education for refugees, asylum seekers, and people who have been granted asylum in the Czech Republic.