Skip to main content

Understanding Collaborative Learning in Networked Organizations

  • Conference paper
Collaborative Learning Through Computer Conferencing

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((NATO ASI F,volume 90))

Abstract

This paper argues that collaborative learning is a routine occurrence in organizations that have invested in computer conferencing networks to support their business. Computer conferencing allows people to learn from each other, while they work, although the ‘learning network’ potential of conferencing has not received much attention. The paper looks forward to valuable exchanges between networked organizations and distance education enterprises. One result could be education designs which prepare people for working in teams.

Understanding Collaborative Learning in Networked Organizations

This paper was developed during the NATO Advanced Research Workshop which was held on the schooner Najaden as it sailed from Copenhagen to Stockholm in the summer of 1991, and I shall occasionally refer to the Najaden venue. I unashamedly refer in the paper to the organization to which I belong — Digital Equipment Corporation. I do this because it represents a world class example of an environment for collaborative learning. Digital operates the largest private computer network in the world (over 30,000 nodes covering 33 countries). On this network, electronic mail, computer conferencing, videotex and a host of other information tools are available to over 100,000 people in the organization.

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

Access this chapter

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 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

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Adrianson, L.: Psychological studies of attitudes to and use of computer-mediated communication. Universitys of Goteborg Sweden, Goteborg Psychological Reports. 8, 17 (1987)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Adrianson, L., and Hjelmquist, E.: Users’ experiences of COM — a computer-mediated communication system. Behaviour & Information Technology 7, pp. 79–99 (1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Adrianson, L., and Hjelmquist, E.: Group processes in face-to-face and computer-mediated communication. Behaviour and Information Technology 10, pp. 281–296 (1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Allen, T.: Managing the flow of technology. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press 1977

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bannon, L.J.: Comments from the sidelines: some thoughts on research networks and network research. Behaviour and Information Technology 10, pp. 253–256 (1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Bannon, L.J., and Schmidt, K.: CSCW: four characters in search of a context. Proc. First European Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, pp. 358–372. Gatwick, London 1989

    Google Scholar 

  7. Grenier, R., and Metes, G.: Enterprise networking: working together apart. Bedford, Massachusetts: Digital Press 1992

    Google Scholar 

  8. Harasim, L.M.: Online education: an environment for collaboration and intellectual amplification. In: Online education (L. Harasim, ed.), pp. 39–64. New York: Praeger 1990

    Google Scholar 

  9. Hiltz, S.R.: On-line communities: a case study of the office of the future. New Jersey: Ablex 1985

    Google Scholar 

  10. Hiltz, S.R.: Collaborative learning in a virtual classroom. Proc. Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work 1988, Portland, Oregon, pp. 282–290. New York: Association for Computing Machinery, Inc. 1988

    Google Scholar 

  11. Hiltz, S.R.: Evaluating the virtual classroom. In: Online education (L. Harasim, ed.), pp. 133–183. New York: Praeger 1990

    Google Scholar 

  12. Kiesler, S., Siegel, J., and McGuire, T.W.: Social psychological aspects of computer-mediated communication. American Psychologist 39, pp. 1123–1134 (1984)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Kraut, R., Egido, E., and Galegher, J.: Patterns of contact and communication in scientific research collaboration. Proc. Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work 1988, Portland, Oregon, pp. 1–12. New York: Association for Computing Machinery, Inc. 1988

    Google Scholar 

  14. Lea, M., and Spears, R.: Computer-mediated communication, de-individuation and group decision-making. International Journal of Man-Machine Studies 34, pp. 283–301 (1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Regan, S.: Personal communication with Dr Suzanne Regan, Department of Communication Studies, California State University, Los Angeles

    Google Scholar 

  16. Senge, P.M.: The fifth discipline: the art and practice of the learning organization. New York: Doubleday/Currency 1990

    Google Scholar 

  17. Skyrme, D.J.: The evolution of a knowledge network: computer conferencing at Digital. Newbury: Digital Equipment Co. Ltd., 1989

    Google Scholar 

  18. Western Behavioral Sciences Institute: 1990 International Executive Forum brochure. San Diego, CA: Western Behavioral Sciences Institute, University of California 1990

    Google Scholar 

  19. Zuboff, S.: In the age of the smart machine. New York: Basic Books 1988

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1992 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Gundry, J. (1992). Understanding Collaborative Learning in Networked Organizations. In: Kaye, A.R. (eds) Collaborative Learning Through Computer Conferencing. NATO ASI Series, vol 90. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-77684-7_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-77684-7_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-77686-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-77684-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics