I graduated in June, 2003 from Zhejiang University, China with a BA in English Language & Literature, and a double Bachelor's degree in Information Management & Information Systems. I joined ICM programme in July, 2003, and currently I am a teaching assistant for IF3204 (E-Learning). My research interests include e-learning and knowledge management, and the social and cultural impact of new media in Asia.

Dr Cho Hichang

Anonymity, Motivations and Participation in Virtual Learning Communities: A case study in the Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE).

Community-based learning generally requires members' voluntary contributions of knowledge and information goods for the benefits of a collective. From different perspectives, people are motivated to participate in virtual learning communities because of extrinsic rewards like bonus marks, intrinsic rewards like the sense of self-importance, and community interest. Anonymity, as studied in computer mediated communication, affects people's communication behaviour and group decision-making. However, so far little quantitative studies have focused on how anonymity and motivations could affect students' participation in virtual learning communities. This case study aims to fill the gap by exploring the relationship between anonymity, motivations and participation through a 14 week field quasi-experiment of an online learning community in the Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE) at the National University of Singapore. Motivations of participants, moderated by anonymity, are found to influence participation. Implication for theory and practice are also discussed in the thesis.

• E-learning and knowledge management
• The social and cultural impact of new media in Asia