On-line Learning Networks: Frameworks and Scenarios

Rosa Maria Bottino (1)

1 ITD - Institute for Educational Technology = The Istituto per le Tecnologie Didattiche

Progressively the idea of using the internet as a platform to mediate social interactions and learning at different levels has affirmed itself, and this has given rise to a huge number of spontaneous and planned collectives, which are often described as on-line learning networks. On-line learning networks create value from a combination of content and people knowledge. They can vary widely in the strength and permanence of their connections and resources necessary to maintain them. Aspects both pragmatic and social in nature have to be carefully considered in the process of initiation of on-line learning communities. This paper considers learning networks from the perspective they offer to the straitening of relationships among institutions, groups, and people sharing a common interest in computer enhanced learning. Some case-studies are analysed and an analytical framework is sketched to guide observations and to provide a lens through which case-studies can be interpreted. The final goal is to delineate a reference to individuate strong and weak elements in virtual networks and to examine under which conditions they are succeeding. Moreover some possible scenarios for online networks are delineated according to two main lines: the organisation and structure of the network and its level of establishment.

Domains: Technology for Human Learning

Rosa Maria Bottino. On-line Learning Networks: Frameworks and Scenarios. 8th IFIP World Conference on Computers in Education: What Works?, 2005, Cape Town, South Africa. ⟨hal-00190232⟩