Skip to main content

Implementation of an Infrastructure for Networked Learning

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

What are the conditions under which institutional actors decide upon Information and Communication Technology strategies for networked learning purposes? The question is discussed within the frame of a case study of the decision process during a shift from one learning platform to another in an education at Aalborg University. The aim is to explicate and understand the multiplicity of issues involved and to point the possible ways of handling such decision processes. On the one hand, the analysis shows that the predominant reasons for deciding to change are dissatisfaction with the existing system which is slow due to (too) many levels, lack of esthetic design, lack of coherence in practices and, generally, lack of relevant content. On the other hand, the predominant arguments for choosing the new system are more related to issues of operation, support, and management. We argue that the issues of dissatisfaction with the existing system will not automatically be solved by implementing a new one; that many of the problems with the existing system are related to the way it is used; and that the role of the system is vaguely defined in the organization.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Bell, F. (2010). Network theories for technology-enabled learning and social change: Connectivism and actor network theory. In Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Networked Learning 2010. Networked Learning 2010. Aalborg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bygholm, A., & Nyvang, T. (2009). An infrastructural perspective on implementing new educational technology. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld, C. Jones, & B. Lindström (Eds.), Analysing networked learning practices in higher education and continuing professional development. Rotterdam/Boston/Taipei: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Castells, M. (2000). The rise of the network society (IIth ed.). Malden, Oxford, Carlton: Blackwell Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Castells, M. (2001). The internet galaxy: Reflections on the internet, business, and society. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Freitas, S., & Oliver, M. (2005). Does E-learning policy drive change in higher education? A case study relating models of organisational change to e-learning implementation. Journal of Higher Education Policy & Management, 27(1), 81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dewey, J. (1910). How we think. Boston, New York, Chicago: D.C. Heath & Co.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L., Nielsen, J., Fibiger, B., Danielsen, O., Riis, M., & Sorensen, K. E. (2002). Designing virtual learning environments based problem oriented project pedagogy. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld & B. Fibiger (Eds.), Learning in virtual environments. Fredriksberg: Samfundslitteratur.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L., et al. (2009). Problem and project based networked learning: The MIL case. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld, C. Jones, & B. Lindström (Eds.), Analysing networked learning practices in higher education and continuing professional development (pp. 155–175). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engeström, Y. (1987). Learning by expanding. Helsinki: Orienta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engeström, Y. (2009). The future of activity theory: A rough draft. In A. Sannino, H. Daniels, & K. D. Gutiérrez (Eds.), Learning and expanding with activity theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flores, F., Graves, M., Hartfield, B., & Winograd, T. (1988). Computer systems and the design of organizational interaction. ACM Transactions on Office Information Systems, 6(2), 153–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodyear, P., Banks, S., Hodgson, V., & Mcconnell, D. (2004). Research on networked learning: an overview. In P. Goodyear et al. (Eds.), Advances in research on networked learning. Massachusetts: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., & Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L. (2009). Analysing networked learning practices. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld, C. Jones, & B. Lindström (Eds.), Analysing networked learning practices in higher education and continuing professional development. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L., & Lindström, B. (2006). A relational, indirect, meso-level approach to CSCL design in the next decade. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 1(1), 35–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C. R., Ferreday, D., & Hodgson, V. (2008). Networked learning a relational approach: Weak and strong ties. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 24(2), 90–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaptelinin, V., & Nardi, B. (2006). Activity theory and interaction design. London, England: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaptelinin, V., Nardi, B., & Macaulay, C. (1999). Methods & tools: The activity checklist: A tool for representing the “space” of context. Interactions, 6(4), 27–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kolmos, A., Fink, F., & Krogh, L. (2004). The Aalborg PBL model – progress, diversity and challenges. Aalborg: Aalborg University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koschmann, T. (1996). CSCL: Theory and practice of an emerging paradigm. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuutti, K. (1996). Activity theory as a potential framework for human-computer interaction research. In B. Nardi (Ed.), Context and consciousness: Activity theory and human-computer interaction (pp. 17–44). Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuutti, K., & Bannon, L. (1993). Searching for unity among diversity: Exploring the “interface” concept (Using the approach of activity theory). In Proceedings of INTERCHI ‘93. INTERCHI ‘93. Amsterdam: IOS Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leont’ev, A. (1978). Activity, consciousness, and personality. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyvang, T. (2006). Implementation of ICT in Higher Education. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Networked Learning 2006. Lancaster: Lancaster. http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fss/organisations/netlc/past/nlc2006/abstracts/nyvang.htmUniversity. Accessed September 24th, 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyvang, T. (2008). Ibrugtagning af ikt i universitetsuddannelse (implementation of ICT in higher education). Aalborg: Aalborg University, Institut for Kommunikation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyvang, T., & Tolsby, H. (2004). Students Designing ICT Support for Collaborative Learning in Practice. Proceedings of the Networked Learning Conference 2004. Lancaster: Lancaster University. Accesssed 24th September, 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyvang, T. & Poulsen, C. R. (2007). Implementation of ICT in Government Organizations - User Driven or Management Driven? In A. M. Kanstrup, T. Nyvang, & E. M. Sørensen (Red.), Perspectives on e-Government: Technology & Infrastructure, Politics & Organization, and Interaction & Communication. Aalborg: Aalborg University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piaget, J. (1999). The construction of reality in the child. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryberg, T., & Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L. (2010). Analysing digital literacy in action: A case study of a problem-oriented learning process. In R. Sharpe, H. Beetham, & S. De Freitas (Eds.), Rethinking learning for a digital age (pp. 170–183). New York: Routhledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(10), 3–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spinuzzi, C. (2003). Tracing genres through organizations: A sociocultural approach to information design. In B. Nardi, V. Kaptelinin, & K. Foot (Eds.), Acting with technology. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stahl, G., Koschmann, T., & Suthers, D. D. (2006). Computer-supported collaborative learning. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stein, S. J., Shephard, K., & Harris, I. (2011). Conceptions of e-learning and professional development for e-learning held by tertiary educators in New Zealand. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42(1), 145–165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, J. D., & Tuden, A. (1959). Strategies, structures and processes of organizational decision. In J. D. Thompsom et al. (Eds.), Comparative studies in administration. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tolsby, H., Nyvang, T., & Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L. (2002). A survey of technologies supporting virtual project based learning. In S. Banks (Ed.), The third international conference on networked learning (pp. 572–581). Sheffield, England: University of Sheffield.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyre, M., & Orlikowski, W. (1994). Windows of opportunity: Temporal patterns of technological adaptation in organizations. Organization Science, 5(198–118).

    Google Scholar 

  • von Hippel, E. (1986). Lead users: A source of novel product concepts. Management Science, 32(7), 791–805.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tom Nyvang .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Nyvang, T., Bygholm, A. (2012). Implementation of an Infrastructure for Networked Learning. In: Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L., Hodgson, V., McConnell, D. (eds) Exploring the Theory, Pedagogy and Practice of Networked Learning. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0496-5_8

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics