learningforsustainability.net

Supporting dialogue, collective action and reflection

Developing social networks

• The art of building virtual communities The burning question for many of us trying to establish virtual CoPs is how to design a VLC that is compelling enough that it will compete successfully for the attention of busy people? Because communities of practice are voluntary, to be successful over time they need the ability to generate enough excitement, relevance, and value to attract and engage members. This is easier said than done but this blog page then goes on to give a number of tips.



• Achieving individual and collective goals: ICTs, capacities and networksThis article considers the collective capabilities of networks in relation to their use of ICTs, information and knowledge management. As the authors, Peter Ballantyne and Denise Clarke, point out ICTs can enable networks and their members to achieve their aims more effectively, and are often part of the ‘offer’ that a network makes to its members.



• Communities of Practice and virtual learning communities: benefits, barriers and success factors This paper by Pat Gannon-Leary and Elsa Fontainha acknowledges the increasing interest in virtual communities of practice (CoPs) and virtual learning communities. However, barriers exist in virtual CoPs and these are defined by the authors and illustrated with quotes from academic staff who have been involved in CoPs. Critical success factors (CSFs) for a virtual CoP are discussed. These include usability of technology; trust in, and acceptance of, ICTs in communication; a sense of belonging among members; paying attention to cross-national and cross-cultural dimensions of the CoP; shared understandings; a common sense of purpose; use of netiquette and user-friendly language and longevity.



• The Strength of Internet Ties This report by the Pew Internet and American Life Project "highlights how email supplements, rather than replaces, the communication people have with others in their network." The researchers are well known experts in social network analysis of cybersocializing -- John Horrigan, Jeffrey Boase, Lee Rainey, and Barry Wellman.



• Integrated Web Design: Social Networking — The Relationship between Humans and Computers is Coming of Age The interaction between community, computers, and society is now being referred to as "social networking," and it's making a lot of heads turn. But what is social networking, really, and what does it mean to web technologists? In this compelling article by Molly Holzschlag, you'll learn what social networking is, which languages are emerging to support it, and what it might mean for the next generation of web design and development.

E-conferencing

• Organising an E-conference
  This paper has been developed to document and discuss a particular use of email and the Internet – the electronic conference or “e-conference.” Like other conferences, the e-conference brings people with similar interests or experiences together to share what they know. Unlike other conferences, where participants travel, often great distances, to be together, the e-conference requires no travel. Participants take part in a discussion from their homes or offices, the places where they live and work, using the tools of email and the Internet to connect them with others. This paper provides an introduction to the concept of the e-conference and the types of situations in which such a conference is most useful. Further, it sets forth a guide to the major steps and phases for planning and executing an electronic conference.



• E-conferencing
  This report by Nancy Johnson provides an overview and introduction about e-conferencing. It sets out tasks, roles and tips for e-conference organisers.