Potential of Social Software to support Learning Networks for Sustainable Development

1. Potential of Social Software to support Learning Networksfor Sustainable Development

2. Authors: • Joop de Kraker, Open Universiteit Nederland • Ron Cörvers, Open Universiteit Nederland • Pieter Valkering, Maastricht University • Martijn Hermans, e-linQ • Christine Ruelle, Université de Liège

3. Presentation: • Introduction • Towards learning networks 2.0? • Prototype design • Cases: RCE-Network, Learn4SUN

4. Introduction: Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Knowledge triangle for (regional) sustainable development Education Research Innovation

5. Introduction: Learning Networks for Sustainable Development civil stakeholders Knowledge triangle for regional sustainable development policy makers etc. Education Research Innovation

6. Introduction: Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Sustainable development is a multi-actor process: exchange & integrate a diversity of • types of knowledge & expertise • perspectives • interests • Joint Learning Process (mutual & collective)

7. Introduction: Regional Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Definition Learning Network Partnership of actors aiming at innovation throughknowledge sharing and/or collaborative knowledge development

8. Introduction: Regional Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Examples Learning Network Intraregional (learning within a region): • RCE: develop innovative approaches to education for sustainable development • SUN: develop innovative approaches in sustainable urban development Interregional (learning between regions): • RCE-network: exchange and share innovative approaches, learn from diversity

9. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Learning Networks for SD: • Institutionalised, participants often representatives • Face-to-face meetings Online social networks: • Self-organizing, individual-based • Virtual interactions

10. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? 9 million users in NL (>50%) 500 million users Regional Learning Networks for SD: • Institutionalised, participants represent organisations • Face-to-face meetings Online social networks: • Self-organizing, Individual-based • Virtual interactions 70 million users

11. Web 2.0- more creative- more participatory- more socializing • Content (co-)creation: weblogs, wiki’s • Voice: rating & review systems • Profiling / socializing: sharing your identity, life • Exchange / socializing: sharing media, taste • Real-time communication: audio, video • Information collection and filtering: news feeds

12. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Explore the potential of web 2.0 technologies to support learning networks for SD: • stimulate participation & networking • enhance interactivity & sharing • foster creativity & collaboration • support self-organisation

13. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Downes’ principles of effective learning networks • Autonomy

14. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Downes’ principles of effective learning networks • Autonomy • Interactivity

15. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Downes’ principles of effective learning networks • Autonomy • Interactivity • Diversity

16. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Downes’ principles of effective learning networks • Autonomy • Interactivity • Diversity • Openness

17. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Consultation of regional SD practitioners: • Blending of face-to-face and virtual interactions • Quality assurance: “extended peer review” ? • Continuity: shared interests, clear benefits

18. Case: Learn4SUN • SUN partners: 5 cities/neighbourhoods; 4 universities; 5 public & private agencies • goal at regional level: to develop a common strategy for sustainable neighbourhood development • goals in neighbourhoods: economy, environment, social

19. Case: RCE-network • SUN partners: 5 cities/neighbourhoods; 4 universities; 5 public & private agencies • goal at regional level: to develop a common strategy for sustainable neighbourhood development • goals in neighbourhoods: economy, environment, social

20. Case: Learn4SUN • SUN: Euregional project in Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood Development • Learn4SUN: web2.0 environment to support SUN as learning network

21. Case: Learn4SUNSUN project structure

22. Case: Learn4SUNSUN learning network- meetings- e-mail- intranet- website

23. Case: Learn4SUN • Web 2.0 features to support SUN as learning network: • Easy translation of textual contributions • Co-creation of position papers with wiki’s • Rating & feedback for quality assurance • Profiles of participants for networking & matching expertise supply-demand • Blogs from action leaders & researchers • Online citizen groups for energy saving • Online citizen forums for monitoring Quality of Life • Feeds from other SUN-like initiatives • ....

24. Case: Learn4SUN • Elgg social networking platform Public website / portal Personal home page / user profile Groups / communities

25. Case: Learn4SUN Public website / portal Personal home page / user profile Groups / communities

26. Preliminary conclusions • Potential of learning networks 2.0: • Shared interest: Quality of Life monitor (Energy) • Or: wait for next generation? • Dilemma of learning networks 2.0: • non-hierarchic, user-centred, open regional innovation network Versus - hierarchic, interest-driven, closed regional power networks

27. THANK YOU!