Potential of Social Software to

support Learning Networks

for Sustainable Development

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

Presentation:

• Introduction

• Towards learning networks 2.0?

• Prototype design

• Cases: RCE-Network, Learn4SUN

Introduction: Learning Networks for Sustainable Development

Knowledge triangle for (regional) sustainable development

Research Innovation

Education

Introduction: Learning Networks for Sustainable Development

Knowledge triangle for regional sustainable development

Research Innovation

Education

civil stakeholderspolicy makers etc.

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)

Introduction: Regional Learning Networks for Sustainable Development

Definition Learning Network

Partnership of actors aiming at innovation throughknowledge sharing and/or collaborative knowledge development

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

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

Towards Learning Networks 2.0?

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

9 million users in NL

(>50%)

500 million users

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

Towards Learning Networks 2.0?

Explore the potential of web 2.0 technologiesto support learning networks for SD:

• stimulate participation & networking• enhance interactivity & sharing• foster creativity & collaboration• support self-organisation

Towards Learning Networks 2.0?

Downes’ principles of effective learning networks• Autonomy

Towards Learning Networks 2.0?

Downes’ principles of effective learning networks• Autonomy

• Interactivity

Towards Learning Networks 2.0?

Downes’ principles of effective learning networks• Autonomy

• Interactivity

• Diversity

Towards Learning Networks 2.0?

Downes’ principles of effective learning networks• Autonomy

• Interactivity

• Diversity

• Openness

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

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

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

Case: Learn4SUN

• SUN: Euregional project in Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood Development

• Learn4SUN: web2.0 environment to support SUN as learning network

Case: Learn4SUNSUN project structure

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

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– ....

Case: Learn4SUN

• Elgg social networking platform

Public website / portal

Groups / communities

Personal home page / user profile

Case: Learn4SUN

Public website / portal

Groups / communities

Personal home page / user profile

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

THANK YOU!