Bridging Online Community: the strategic role of the E-tutor

Digital media have opened up new opportunities to reconceptualize e-learning. The three ages of media describe a shift from technology for distance education, to technology-supported groups and, currently, technology for Community development. Reflecting upon the profile of the e-tutor in the third phase of e-learning, our research was guided by three key-questions: what functions does the e-tutor fulfill? What tools does the e-tutor need? What communication actions should the e-tutor take care of? The research plan carried on 9 courses is based on quanti-qualitative method (a pre-course survey, a post-course survey, learning analytics, content analysis of tutor’s interactions and self-report). The results highlight the strategic role of the etutor to bridge the community.