Participation and knowledge sharing in online learning

Abstract

Participation and knowledge sharing on-line takes place today in any context
of life and is a particularly critical point because it is undermining the
strict separation between the formal learning context and informal ones of
everyday life. New technologies – especially those of mobile- favored widespread
and spontaneous participation to Community of Practice.
Although new interfaces have simplified the construction of collaborative
knowledge, many research show that the human factor, i.e. the intrinsic motivation,
is still essential to support any learning process. School and educational
institutions can take advantage of the opportunities of social networks
and mobile device in informal settings, reconfiguring their curriculum
together with social, businesses and local communities, through activities
that provide a shared understanding.