Developing Theory, Design and Experience of Networked Learning

The chapters in this book are based on research papers delivered at the 8th biennial Networked Learning Conference (NLC) 2012. Twelve papers from the conference were chosen as exemplars of cutting edge research on networked learning. The selected papers expand the scope of what has been identified as and written about NL to encompass more clearly social connectivity and social networking in learning. The papers in the book are presented by researchers and research practitioners from across the globe. Major foci of the papers are linked to some of the other the major themes of the Networked Learning Conference (NLC) 2012, such as: Theories and Methodologies for Research in Networked Learning; Practice-Based Research Learning in Social Networks and Networked Learning; Impact on Learning of Networked Technologies; Embedding Networked Learning in Public and Private Settings; Work- Based Networked Learning and Professional Development; Problem-Based Networked Learning; Networked Learning for Sustainability; Globalisation and Interculturality in Networked Learning; Participation and alienation in Networked Learning.

Vivien Hodgson is Professor of Networked Management Learning in the Department of Management Learning and Leadership at Lancaster University Management School, UK and visiting Chair at E-Learning Lab, Aalborg University, Denmark. Vivien has coordinated and participated in many ‘e-learning’ research projects in both Europe and Latin America. She has written extensively in international journals on open and collaborative approaches to learning and the importance of dialogue and critical reflection in the design and process of networked learning.

She is the co-editor of the new Springer book series on networked learning and recently stood down as one of the founding co-chair of the international bi-annual conference series ‘Networked Learning’ She is on the editorial board of several journals and on the Steering Committee of SOLAR (Society for Learning Analytics Research). From 1995 and 1998 she was seconded to the Socrates programme of the European Commission in Brussels where she was responsible for the Open and Distance Learning (Minerva) Action

Maarten de Laat is full Professor at the Open Universiteit of the Netherlands. He is director of the Social and Networked Learning research programme, which concentrates on exploring social learning strategies and networked learning relationships that facilitate professional development in the workplace. His research is focused on informal learning in the workplace, lifelong learning, professional development and knowledge creation through (online) social networks and communities and the impact technology, learning analytics and social design has on the way these networks and communities work, learn and create value. He has published and presented his work extensively in research journals, books and conferences. He is co-chair of the international Networked Learning Conference as well as co-chair of the minitrack Social Media & Learning at the HICSS conference. Maarten is also a member of the steering committee of SoLAR (Society for Learning Analytics Research).

David McConnell is a researcher and practitioner in networked learning. He has written extensively on teaching, learning and assessment in higher education and has published over 80 papers in refereed journals and co-authored several books. His monographs Implementing Computer Supported Cooperative Learning (Kogan Page, 2^nd edition 2000), and E-Learning Groups and Communities (Maidenhead, SRHE/OU Press 2006) received enthusiastic acclaim. David has participated in a wide variety of internationally funded research projects concerned with e-community developments, intercultural Sino-UK pedagogy and networked collaborative learning. He was the founder and co-chair of the Networked Learning Conference series and is the co-editor of the Springer Book Series on Researching Networked Learning. David has held professorial posts at the universities of Sheffield, Open, Lancaster and Glasgow Caledonian, and is currently Associate Professor and Director of Programs in the Teaching and learning Centre, University of Canberra Australia.

Thomas Ryberg is Professor mso in the Department of Communication and Psychology at Aalborg University (AAU), Denmark. He is part of the research centre: “E-learning lab - Center for User Driven Innovation, Learning and Design” (www.ell.aau.dk). His primary research interests are within the fields of Networked Learning, Problem Based Learning (PBL), Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) and Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL). He is co-chair of the International Networked Learning Conference and member of the Aalborg PBL Academy Management Board. He has participated in European and international research projects and networks (EQUEL, Kaledioscope, COMBLE, PlaceMe, EATrain2), and in development projects in South East Asia and Latin America (VISCA, VO@NET, ELAC). In particular, he is interested in Problem Based Learning, a