Learning network
Definition
Learning networks are a kind of loosely coupled learning community, i.e. a community of interest in some learning area.
Berlanga et al- (2007) give a more focused definition: “Lifelong learning can only flourish if lifelong learners can control their own learning activities. They should be helped, for example, to build their own learning plans, produce their own reports on assignments, and collect their own bookmarks and scholarly references. Because of this self-directedness, learners are unlikely to be organised in cohorts or classes. We refer to such non-organised groups of learners, who really only share an interest in a particular domain of knowledge but otherwise differ from each other in many respects, as Learning Networks.”}
A learning network also may refer to a web portal built to support such networks.
References
- Berlanga, A.J., Sloep, P.B., Kester, L., Brouns, F. and Koper, R. (in press): "Ad hoc Transient Communities: Towards Fostering Knowledge Sharing in Learning Networks", Int. J. Learning Technology. (PDF Preprint).