A model that Salmon introduced in her first book ((Salmon, G. (2000) E-moderating: the key to teaching and learning online, Kogan Page)).
The model distinguishes between five stages of online learning, in which specific attention is paid to the moderator's role.
- Stage 1: Access & Motivation - The main focus of this stage is on exploring the technology and access to it. Winning the learner’s trust is the main goal. Time is also spent on motivating participants; e-tivities ((Salmon, G. (2002) e-tivities: the key to active on-line learning, Kogan Page)) are organised around this.
- Stage 2: Socialisation - Building on the first stage, this stage focuses on social processes and ‘community building’.
- Stage 3: Information Exchange - This stage revolves around exchanging information and performing tasks. Interaction takes place at two levels, namely with the course content and with other participants and the moderator.
- Stage 4: Knowledge Construction - Knowledge development is central to this stage. Discussion activities and group dynamics play a major role too.
- Stage 5: Development - This stage is characterised by reflection and group learning.