Lisa Dawley

Social network knowledge construction: emerging virtual world pedagogy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the dynamics of an emerging form of teaching and learning – social network knowledge construction – associated with the use of social networks, particularly 3D virtual world environments such as Second Life. As social network technologies not only frame the way individuals interact and learn, but actually impact on a learners thinking process and development of future consciousness, new pedagogies are needed to effectively integrate these communication mechanisms into the learning environment.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses the purpose and potential use of these networks in the teaching and learning process. Distinguishing features of social network knowledge construction as an emerging pedagogy are identified.Findings – Strategies for incorporating a variety of identified social networks, both in and out of virtual worlds, for teaching and learning are noted.Research limitations/implications – The focus of this emerging ped...