Nurturing global collaboration and networked learning in higher education

  • Catherine Cronin Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • Thomas Cochrane Centre for Learning and Teaching, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Averill Gordon School of Communication Studies, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
Keywords: communities of practice, networked learning, collaboration, cooperation, social media, mobile social media

Abstract

We consider the principles of communities of practice (CoP) and networked learning in higher education, illustrated with a case study. iCollab has grown from an international community of practice connecting students and lecturers in seven modules across seven higher education institutions in six countries, to a global network supporting the exploration and evaluation of mobile web tools to engage in participatory curriculum development and supporting students in developing international collaboration and cooperation skills. This article explores the interplay of collaboration and cooperation, CoP and networked learning; describes how this interplay has operated in iCollab; and highlights opportunities and challenges of learning, teaching and interacting with students in networked publics in higher education.

Keywords: communities of practice; networked learning; collaboration; cooperation; social media; mobile social media

(Published: 1 March 2016)

Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2016, 24: 26497 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v24.26497

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Author Biographies

Thomas Cochrane, Centre for Learning and Teaching, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
Academic Advisor and Senior Lecturer
Averill Gordon, School of Communication Studies, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
Senior Lecturer
Published
2016-03-01
How to Cite
Cronin C., Cochrane T., & Gordon A. (2016). Nurturing global collaboration and networked learning in higher education. Research in Learning Technology, 24. https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v24.26497
Section
Original Research Articles