2009 | OriginalPaper | Chapter
Fostering Sociability in Learning Networks through Ad-Hoc Transient Communities
Author : Peter B. Sloep
Published in: Computer-Mediated Social Networking
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
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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.