2. Learner Support
2.1. Learner Support Within a Learning Environment
Learner support focuses on forms of
assistance to learners beyond the delivery of content, skills development,
or formal assessment.
Brindley et al. (2004) provide an extensive overview of the full range of activities in providing learner support for online and distance education learners. Here though my focus is limited to indicating why it is an essential element of an effective learning environment, and to describe briefly some of the main sub-components of learner support.