This selection of chapters from 10 books on Networked Learning, published by Springer between 2002 and 2020, represents how Networked Learning has developed and been adopted over the last two decades.
The selected chapters offer an introduction to Networked Learning, with illustrations from practice. They distinguish Networked Learning as an approach to online learning that is grounded in pedagogical principles that critically engage students in reflective and collaborative learning. The chapters also offer critiques and counter-critiques of key ideas and assumptions. They open up a range of opportunities for further exploration.
Providing free access to this body of work is timely, given the rapid switch to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many university teachers are looking for better ways of teaching online. Networked Learning foregrounds human relationships and collective engagement in mutually valued activities. It is a useful antidote to emergency measures that just ‘place content online’.
The selected chapters are listed under 4 main themes:
A. Ideas on the potential and possibilities of networked learning in theory and practice
This include chapters that focus on the values and underlying principles of NL with examples in practice and design frameworks.
- Jones C. (2015) The Age of Digital Networks. In: Networked Learning. Research in Networked Learning. Springer, Cham
- Konnerup U., Ryberg T., Sørensen M.T. (2019) Designs for Learning as Springboards for Professional Development in Higher Education. In: Littlejohn A., Jaldemark J., Vrieling-Teunter E., Nijland F. (eds) Networked Professional Learning. Research in Networked Learning. Springer, Cham
- Goodyear P., Carvalho L., Dohn N.B. (2016) Artefacts and Activities in the Analysis of Learning Networks. In: Ryberg T., Sinclair C., Bayne S., de Laat M. (eds) Research, Boundaries, and Policy in Networked Learning. Research in Networked Learning. Springer, Cham
- Dohn N.B. (2014) Implications for Networked Learning of the ‘Practice’ Side of Social Practice Theories: A Tacit-Knowledge Perspective. In: Hodgson V., de Laat M., McConnell D., Ryberg T. (eds) The Design, Experience and Practice of Networked Learning. Research in Networked Learning. Springer, Cham
B. The impact that digital education and technology is having on teachers/academics, learner and/or the educational landscape
These chapters focus more on the challenges faced by educators going online plus the impact of digital education on learners in a globalised world
- Boon S., Sinclair C. (2012) Life Behind the Screen: Taking the Academic Online. In: Dirckinck-Holmfeld L., Hodgson V., McConnell D. (eds) Exploring the Theory, Pedagogy and Practice of Networked Learning. Springer, New York, NY
- Sinclair C., Macleod H. (2015) Literally Virtual: The Reality of the Online Teacher. In: Jandrić P., Boras D. (eds) Critical Learning in Digital Networks. Research in Networked Learning. Springer, Cham
- Gallagher M. (2020) Distilling Complexity Through Metastability and Mobility: The Networked Learning of Amara. In: Dohn N., Jandrić P., Ryberg T., de Laat M. (eds) Mobility, Data and Learner Agency in Networked Learning. Research in Networked Learning. Springer, Cha
C. Critique of the key ideas used in networked learning and within broader educational practice
These are the chapters that questions some of the ideas that get associated with NL in particular or education practice generally e.g. reflection and assessment
- Trehan K., Reynolds M. (2002) Online Collaborative Assessment: Power Relations and ‘Critical Learning’. In: Steeples C., Jones C. (eds) Networked Learning: Perspectives and Issues. Computer Supported Cooperative Work. Springer, London
- Sclater M., Bolander K. (2004) Factors influencing students’ orientation to collaboration in networked learning. In: Goodyear P., Banks S., Hodgson V. & McConnell D. (eds) Advances in Research on Networked Learning. Springer, Dordrecht
D. Perceptions of and descriptions of the student experience
These chapters focus on how students are often perceived and their experience of networked learning
- Cutajar M. (2018) Variation in Students’ Perceptions of Others for Learning. In: Bonderup Dohn N., Cranmer S., Sime JA., de Laat M., Ryberg T. (eds) Networked Learning. Research in Networked Learning. Springer, Cham
- Jones C. (2015) The Learner and Digital Networks. In: Networked Learning. Research in Networked Learning. Springer, Cham