Notice of Retraction: Discourse analysis of e-tutor's role in online collaborative learning environment

Online collaborative learning is an effective approach of learning, and e-tutor plays a vital role in the success of online learning. This paper first reviewed the relevant study on e-tutor's roles in online learning and proposes that it is through discourse that e-tutor builds his identity and realizes his role. Based on an online collaborative course delivered by Blackboard, the paper discusses in detail how the e-tutor orientated and performed role as supporter, facilitator and group member. The discourse strategies that the e-tutor employed are also discussed with the discourse example.