Abstract
Lifelong learners somehow need to fulfil their competence development needs. Traditionally, this has been done mainly in formal settings. However, this paper argues from the assumption that non-formal educational settings are much better suited; particularly so if a Learning Network is used to provide a social environment in which to embed learning opportunities. A Learning Network is not nor consists of communities from the outset; its community-like nature should emerge from the interactions of its inhabitants and evolve over time. How can this be done? Although learners might have several long-term motives to engage socially, the paper notes that little is known about their short-term motives. The notion of ad-hoc transient communities is then introduced as a promising mechanism to drive the emergence and evolution of social behaviour in Learning Networks. Subsequently, various theoretical notions for why such communities can provide the short-term motives sought are discussed. A short discussion of future areas for research closes the paper.
Keywords
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Allen, K.: Online learning: Constructivism and conversation as an approach to learning. Innovations in Education and Teaching International 42, 247–256 (2005)
Anderson, T.: Teaching in an Online Learning Context. In: Anderson, T., Elloumi, F. (eds.) Theory and Practice of Online Learning, pp. 271–294. Athabasca University, Athabasca (2004)
Anonymous, Flexibiliteit als voorwaarde; onderwijslogistiek in vraaggestuurd mbo [Flexibility as a condition: educational logistics in learner-centred lower professional education] (brochure). Stichting Kennisnet ICT op school, Zoetermeer (2007)
Axelrod, R.: The Evolution of Cooperation. Basic Books, New York (1984)
Berlanga, A., Kester, L., Sloep, P.B., Brouns, F., van Rosmalen, P., Koné, M., Koper, R.: Fostering Knowledge Sharing in Ad Hoc Transient Communities. In: Koper, R., Griffith, D., Liber, D. (eds.) TENCompetence Workshop on Service Oriented Appooaches and Lifelong Competence Development Infrastructures, Manchester, January 11-12 (2007)
Brown, J.S., Duguid, P.: The social life of information. Harvard Business School University Press, Boston Mass (2000)
Cartney, P., Rouse, A.: The emotional impact of learning in small groups: highlighting the impact on student progression and retention. Teaching in Higher Education 11, 79–91 (2006)
Chapman, C., Ramondt, L., et al.: Strong Community, Deep Learning: Exploring the Link. Innovations in Education and Teaching International 42, 217–230 (2005)
Cohen, D.J., Rosenzweig, R.: Web of Lies? Historical knowledge on the Internet. First Monday 10(12) (2005)
Colley, H., Hodkinson, P., Malcom, J.: Informality and formality in learning: a report for the Learning and Skills Research Centre. Learning and Skills Research Centre, London (2003)
Commission staff of the commission of the European Communities, A Memorandum on Lifelong Learning. Commission of the European Communities, Brussels (2000)
De Vries, F., Kester, L., Sloep, P., van Rosmalen, P., Pannekeet, K., Koper, R.: Identification of critical time-consuming student support activities in e-learning. ALT-J. 13, 219–229 (2005)
Dewey, J.: Democracy and Education. MacMillan, New York (1916)
Edwards, R., Usher, R.: Lifelong learning: a postmodern condition of education? Adult Education Quarterly 51, 273–287 (2001)
Fantuzzo, J.W., Riggio, R.E., Conolly, S., Dimeff, L.A.: Effects of reciprocal peer tutoring on academic achievement and psychological adjustment: a component analysis. Journal of educational psychology 81, 173–177 (1989)
Fox, S., MacKeogh, K.: Can elearning promote higher-order learning without tutor overload? Open Learning 18, 121–134 (2003)
Griffin, C.: Curriculum theory in adult and lifelong education. Groom helm, Kent (1983)
Gyanani, T.C., Pahuja, P.: Effects of peer-tutoring on abilities and achievement. Contemporary Educational Psychology 20, 469–475 (1995)
Hill, R., Dunbar, R.: Social Network Size in Humans. Human Nature 14, 53–72 (2002)
Hooreman, R., Sloep, P.B., Jochems, W.M.G.: Synchronous peer coaching and coaching skill development of trainee teachers (submitted)
Hummel, H.G.K., Burgos, D., Tattersall, C., Brouns, F., Kurvers, H., Koper, R.: Encouraging contributions in learning networks using incentive mechanisms. JCAL 21, 355–365 (2005)
Janssen, J., Tattersall, C., Waterink, W., Van den Berg, B., Van Es, R., Bolman, C., Koper, R.: Self-organising navigational support in lifelong learning: how predecessors can lead the way. Computers & Education (in press)
Jochems, W.: CSCL three worlds compared: Computer supported collaborative learning in distance and face-to-face education. In: Kirschner, P., Jochems, W., Dillenbourg, P., Kanselaar, G. (eds.) Three Worlds of CSCL: Can we Support CSCL. Open Universiteit Nederland, Heerlen (2002)
Keppell, M., Au, E.: Peer learning and learning-oriented assessment in technology-enhanced environments. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education 34, 435–464 (2006)
Kester, L., Sloep, P., Brouns, F., Van Rosmalen, P., De Vries, F., De Croock, M., Koper, R.: Enhancing Social Interaction and Spreading Tutor Responsibilities in Bottom-Up Organized Learning Networks. In: Kommers, P., Isaías, P., Goikoetxea, A. (eds.) IADIS International Conference Web Based Communities 2006, p. 472. IADIS, San Sebastian Spain (2006)
King, A., Staffieri, A., Adelgais, A.: Mutual peer-tutoring: Effects of structuring tutorial interaction to scaffold peer learning. J. Ed. Psych. 90, 134–152 (1998)
Koper, R.: European Lifelong Learning Networks. In: Paper presented at the Towards a Learning Society eLearning Conference (2005), dspace.ou.nl
Koper, R., Sloep, P.B.: Learning Networks connecting people organizations autonomous agents and learning resources to establish the emergence of effective lifelong learning RTD Programma into Learning Technologies 2003-2008 More is different. Open Universiteit Nederland, Heerlen (2002), http://dspace.ou.nl
Langer, E.J.: Mindfulness. Perseus Books, Cambridge (1989)
Landauer, T., Foltz, P.W., Laham, D.: An introduction to latent semantic analysis. Discourse Processes 25, 259–284 (1998)
Longworth, N., Davies, W.K.: Lifelong Learning new vision new implications new roles for people organisations nations and communities in the 21st century. Kogan Page, London (1996)
Nonaka, I., Takeuchi, H.: The Knowledge Creating Company. Oxford University Press, New York (1995)
Perkins, D.N.: Person-plus: a Distributed View of Thinking and Learning. In: Salomon, G. (ed.) Distributed Cognitions; Psychological and Educational Considerations, pp. 88–111. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1993)
Poundstone, W.: Prisoners Dilemma. Anchor Books, New York (1992)
Preece, J.: Online communities Designing Usability Supporting Sociability. Wiley, Chichester (2000)
Ragget, P., Edwards, R., Small, N. (eds.): The learning society challenges and trends. Routledge, London (1996)
Rusman, E., Van Bruggen, J., Cörvers, R., Sloep, P., Koper, R.: From pattern to practice: evaluation of a design pattern fostering trust in Virtual Teams (submitted)
Salomon, G.: Distributed Cognitions; Psychological and Educational Considerations. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1993)
Schugurensky, D.: The forms of informal learning: towards a conceptualization of the field [Electronic Version] NALL Working Paper No. 19 19 (2000) (retrieved January 22, 2008), http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/depts/sese/csew/nall/res/19formsofinformal.pdf
Shafer, C., Anundsen, K.: Creating Community Anywhere. Perigree Books, New York (1993)
Sloep, P., Jochems, W.: De e-lerende burger. In: Steyaert, J., De Haan, J. (eds.) Jaarboek ICT en samenleving 2007, Gewoon digitaal, pp. 171–187. Boom, Amsterdam (2007)
Sloep, P.B., Kester, L., Brouns, F., Van Rosmalen, P., De Vries, F., De Croock, M.: Ad Hoc Transient Communities to Enhance Social Interaction and Spread Tutor Responsibilities. Paper presented at the Sixth International Conference on Web-based Education WBE 2007, Chamonix France (2007)
Sloep, P.B., Boon, J., Cornu, B., Klebl, M., Lefrère, P., Naeve, A., Scott, P.: A European Research Agenda for Lifelong Learning Paper presented at EADTU Annual Conference 2008 on Lifelong learning in higher education: networked teaching and learning in a knowledge society, Poitiers France, September 18-19 (2008)
Sloep, P.B., Kester, L.: Fostering Sociability in Learning Networks (submitted)
Tuijnman, A., Van der Kamp, M. (eds.): Learning across the lifespan, theories research, policies. Pergamon Press, Oxford (1992)
Van Bruggen, J., Sloep, P., Van Rosmalen, P., Brouns, F., Vogten, H., Koper, R., Tattersall, C.: Latent semantic analysis as a tool for learner positioning in learning networks for lifelong learning. BJET 35, 729–738 (2004)
Van Rosmalen, P., Sloep, P., Brouns, F., Kester, L., Berlanga, A., Bitter, M., Koper, R.: A model for online learner support based on selecting appropriate peer tutors. In: JCAL (in press)
Van Rosmalen, P., Sloep, P., Brouns, F., Kester, L., Koné, M., Koper, R.: Knowledge matchmaking in Learning Networks: Alleviating the tutor load by mutually connecting learning network users. BJET 37, 881–895 (2006)
Van Rosmalen, P., Sloep, P., Kester, L., Brouns, F., De Croock, M., Pannekeet, K., Koper, R.: A learner support model based on peer tutor selection. JCAL 24, 74–86 (2008)
Vygotsky, L.S.: Mind in Society. Harvard University Press, Cambridge (1978)
Weber, S.: The Success of Open Source. Harvard University Press, Cambridge (2004)
Wenger, E.: Communities of Practice: Learning Meaning, and Identity. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1999)
Wilson, B., Ryder, M.: Distributed Learning Communities: an alternative to designed instructional systems. Educational Technology Research and Development (1998)
Wong, W.K., Chan, T.W., Chou, C.Y., Heh, J.S., Tung, S.H.: Reciprocal tutoring using cognitive tools. JCAL 19, 416–428 (2003)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Sloep, P.B. (2009). Fostering Sociability in Learning Networks through Ad-Hoc Transient Communities. In: Purvis, M., Savarimuthu, B.T.R. (eds) Computer-Mediated Social Networking. ICCMSN 2008. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 5322. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02276-0_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02276-0_7
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-02275-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-02276-0
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)