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Image: QuantumVerse Software Inc (Producer). (2014). Knowledge Network Cycle To establish a knowledge network (KN), there are a range of aspects to consider.
Establishing the need for the network, what are the attributes and parameters to use? A Community of Practice is a formal knowledge network with a centralised management, and structured activities. Alternatively, do you set up a Facebook group for Australian vocational learning designers in a subject area? Both of options will convene members through a shared purpose and interest, seeking to support and further the knowledge of their members. In answering the questions about locating and attracting potential members, often these can be accessed through ‘fringe’ members – those you know, but do not actively participate in the KN (Hearn & Mendizabal, 2011, May). These individuals can provide a bridge between each different network, perhaps recommending someone to the KN, or a KN to a person. You may be able to ‘bridge’ some members into the new KN from groups you already participate in, sometimes as a specialty within a specialty (for example vocational learning designers who use Adobe Captivate or Moodle, rather than simply vocational learning designers). It is useful to clarify in your own mind what the purpose and functions of the KN are to be. Is the purpose to extend your member’s expertise with either Moodle or Captivate? Is it to provide an environment where designers can support each other, asking questions and providing illumination reciprocally in a trusting personal environment? Or is it to advance the cause of using blended learning in the vocational system as a whole? Will members work together on issues, or will they act independently while supported by the KN (Hearn & Mendizabal, 2011, May)? Lastly, the time, tools and opportunity to participate in the KN will influence other aspects. If the KN is primarily a professional network, will members be able to participate during work time? In person meetings may be better suited if permitted during work time, whereas the participants may be more inclined to join a Facebook group if not (Hodgson, McConnell, & Dirckinck-Holmfeld, 2011; Kelly & Antonio, 2016; Shirkey, 2010; Wellman, 2016, April 30). Can potential members easily find, communicate, follow and share with each other? For a network to succeed, it must be easy to access, provide a reward, and be flexible to accept many different contribution types, such as videos, images, text, audio, streamed meetings and more (QuantumVerse Software Inc, 2014). In addition to greater flexibility and personalisation, groups based on platforms such as Facebook have the added advantage of a global reach, encouraging a more diverse set of opinions and experiences. For me specifically as a learning designer, I am likely to establish a KN for vocational learning designers online, as this would provide a depth of opinion, a range of experiences, the chance for innovation, in addition to a balance of different approaches, while still offering support and advice (Johnson, 2012; Kelly & Antonio, 2016). References
Hearn, S., & Mendizabal, E. (2011, May). Not everything that connects is a network. ODI Background Note. Retrieved from https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/6313.pdf Hodgson, V., McConnell, D., & Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L. (2011). Chapter 17: The Theory, Practice and Pedagogy of Networked Learning. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld, V. Hodgson, & D. McConnell (Eds.), Exploring the Theory, Pedagogy and Practice of Networked Learning (pp. 291-305): Springer. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com. Johnson, J. D. (2012). Knowledge networks: Dilemmas and paradoxes. International journal of Information Management, 32(4), 347-353. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2011.11.014 Kelly, N., & Antonio, A. (2016). Teacher peer support in social network sites. Teaching and Teacher Education, 56, 138-149. QuantumVerse Software Inc (Producer). (2014). Knowledge Network Cycle. [Diagram] Retrieved from https://hummingbirdshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Knowledge-Network-Cycle-960x675_compressed-960x675.png Shirkey, C. (2010). Means. In Cognitive surplus: Creativity and generosity in a connected age (pp. 31-64). New York: Penguin. Wellman, B. (2016, April 30). The Network Revolutions Are (Mostly) Good News. [Blog post] Retrieved from http://futureswewant.net/barry-wellman-network-revolutions/
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About meI'm a learning designer from Geelong in Victoria. I have worked in vocational education and training for many years, and for the last four have concentrated entirely on creating learning content to support teachers and students. Archives
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