Community space in complex learning communities: lessons learnt

D.M. McDonald, G.R.S. Weir

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

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Abstract

Highly complex learning communities where diverse participants collaborate to achieve multiple aims through synergy have the potential to be highly creative and productive. However the diversity and multiple aims can also mean the advantages of a community - share understand, trust and direction - are difficult to achieve, resulting in few if any of the aims being realised. We review two case studies, where the learning community is trying to achieve multiple aims, in order to explore how virtual and physical space are employed to support collaborative learning and enhance synergistic potential. The analysis shows that high levels of diversity have influenced these spaces and trends towards differentiation and holistically designed hybrid, virtual and physical, collaboration space. The characteristics of theses cases are sufficiently general to lead us to draw insights for the building of collaborative space in multi-purpose complex learning communities. These are equably applicable to learning communities which share features such as heterogeneity, multiple locations or a mixture of spaces.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished - 13 Jul 2006
EventIADIS International Conference e-Society 2006, Dublin, Ireland - Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 13 Jul 200616 Jul 2006

Conference

ConferenceIADIS International Conference e-Society 2006, Dublin, Ireland
CityDublin, Ireland
Period13/07/0616/07/06

Keywords

  • collaborative learning
  • community spaces
  • hybrid place

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