Networked learning

Networked learning is a process of developing and maintaining connections with people and information, and communicating in such a way so as to support one another's learning.

History

Since the development of the Internet as a significant medium for communication and information, the practice of networked learning has tended to focus on its use, especially since the emergence of Web 2.0. When referring to the use of this medium in networked learning, it is sometimes useful to expand the term to digitally networked learning.

Uses

Networked learning can be practised in both formal and informal settings. In formal settings the learning achieved through networked communication is formally facilitated, assessed and/or recognised by an educational organisation. In an informal setting, individuals maintain a learning network for their own interests, for learning "on-the-job", or for research purposes.

Concerns

Overall effectiveness of digital networked learning

• In England, the National College of School Leadership (NCSL) ran a program called the Networked Learning Community (NLC) programme. More than 134 schools networks (an average of ten schools per network^[1]) were involved from 2002 to 2006 ^[2]. An English study compared the grades of the NLC schools versus the national sample. It concluded that there was large variation in scholarly improvement and that the overall improvement was aligned with the national trend.^[3] The study interpreted this result as a caution to the claims of digital networked learning scholarly effectiveness.
• To the study’s own admission, there was no control group and that other factors, such as varying school socioeconomic status and after-school programs, could have influenced the quantitative results.

Financial Cost

The yearly cost for resources in the NLC programme was about 50,000 UK pounds (approximately $95,000USD in 2008) per school network^[4]. After NLC programme ended in 2006, the school networks had to find other partnerships to continue. There might be school boards that would not be willing to financially invest in the initial implementation and eventual maintenance of a networked learning system.

Notes

See also

Wikiversity has learning materials about Networked learning

• Blended learning
• Collaborative Networked Learning
• Connectivism
• Constructivism
• E-Learning
• Personal learning environments
• The Wealth of Networks

External links

• Wikieducator entry for Networked Learning
• National College for School Leadership - Networked Learning Communities (NLC) programme
• Networked Learning in Higher Education project by the Centre for Studies in Advanced Learning Technology
• A slide show with audio
• Networked Learning Conference Series
• Centre for the Study of Networked Learning and Knowledge Building
• Connectivism is a pedagogical view or learning theory (depending on who you listen to) on networked learning

Books

• Benkler, Y (2006) The Wealth of Networks: How Social Production Transforms Markets and Freedom. Yale University Press (May 16, 2006)
• Downes, S. (2007). Emerging technologies for learning.
• Steeples, C. and Jones, C. eds (2002) Networked Learning: Perspectives and Issues. London: Springer.
• Goodyear, P. Banks, S. Hodgson, V. and McConnell, D. eds (2004) Advances in Research on Networked Learning. London: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

This computer science article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.