A community of practice learning through social media online !?

Hróbjartur ÁrnasonUniversity of Iceland

Background for norDist

• DISTANS (a NVL Network since Des. 2005)– “Enhancing adult learning

with new technologies”– Through:• conferences• symposia• webinars• a wiki

One step further

With norDist:• We want to bring this work further• Create an ongoing discussion• Create a space where adult educators in the

Nordic countries (and elsewhere if they like) can together further their competencies in this field.

Maybe this is Social learning?

We usually learn from • People around us (collegues, role models e.t.c)• By modelling behaviour, methods, attitudes …Through:

ObservationSharingDiscussions

Asking for helpCopyingCollaboration…

See Bandura

http://www.thenewsociallearning.com/

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/2855.html

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/2855.html

norDist… a community of practice?

• Teachers and other adult educators• Interested in supporting their students learning• With and through technology• Where it is useful

Today we can choose our tribe!

Elements of a social network…

• Profiles• Presentation of self• Photo• Discussions• Special interest

groups

• Wiki• Blogs• Activity Stream• Notifications• Chat

A network like norDist needs various “spaces” and functionalities which spur activity and help members to use it as a learning space.

We are testing and learning:

What MAKES or breaks it?

When you og to a party, a conference or a course… what do you do to gain

the most???

But what do you do online…

How do you get to know

people?

Should i dare??

What will they think

Is it interesting?

What’s new?

What next?

Blogs

The group welcomes

you!

Writing a handbook

collaboratively: See how it evolves!

Ad hoc webinars on interesting

issues

What we are learning

• Leaving your mark (Activity stream…)• Your face matters • Generosity works wonders• Sharing, tips, stories, requests moves us on…• Barriers to overcome are easier than you think• The more you share the more you gain• New ideas are born where people come

together, share, test, try and discuss

Welcome to:

A community of practice learning through social media online !?

Hróbjartur Árnason, University of Iceland