Robert-Jan Simons

Investigating patterns of interaction in networked learning and computer-supported collaborative learning: A role for Social Network Analysis

The focus of this study is to explore the advances that Social Network Analysis (SNA) can bring, in combination with other methods, when studying Networked Learning/Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (NL/CSCL). We present a general overview of how SNA is applied in NL/CSCL research; we then go on to illustrate how this research method can be integrated with existing studies on NL/CSCL, using an example from our own data, as a way to synthesize and extend our understanding of teaching and learning processes in NLCs. The example study reports empirical work using content analysis (CA), critical event recall (CER) and social network analysis (SNA). The aim is to use these methods to study the nature of the interaction patterns within a networked learning community (NLC), and the way its members share and construct knowledge. The paper also examines some of the current findings of SNA analysis work elsewhere in the literature, and discusses future prospects for SNA. This paper is part of a continuing international study that is investigating NL/CSCL among a community of learners engaged in a master’s program in e-learning.

Design of web-based collaborative learning environments. Translating the pedagogical learning principles to human computer interface

Seven pedagogical principles guided the development of a collaborative virtual environment, within an international project called ITCOLE. The progressive inquiry model as a theoretical framework had a large impact on describing these principles. Furthermore, this article describes the two web-based software systems - Synergeia and FLE3 - that were developed in the project. Teachers evaluated this software in the light of two perspectives: user friendliness (ease of use) and user satisfaction (especially the pedagogical usability). It is concluded that the participants find the software easy to use. The user satisfaction ranges between good and average. Details about the different types of evaluation are reported in the paper.

The role of professional objects in technology-enhanced learning environments in higher education

We study project-based, technology-enhanced learning environments in higher education, which should produce, by means of specific mechanisms, learning outcomes in terms of transferable knowledge and learning-, thinking-, collaboration- and regulation-skills. Our focus is on the role of objects from professional practice serving as boundary objects and the authentic mechanisms they are to activate. We identify three sets of features of boundary objects: (1) facilitation of the interaction between actors enacting various roles; (2) handling in diverse physical and digital spaces; and (3) usage across certain timeframes. Data from an in-depth case study show that these features help to activate authentic mechanisms, namely, using expert performances, enacting multiple roles and perspectives, collaboratively constructing knowledge, reflecting and articulating. The identification of boundary objects and the way they trigger authentic mechanisms for learning, provide concrete guidance for the design of project-based, technology-enhanced learning environments in higher education.

Critically reflective work behavior of health care professionals

Introduction: Better understanding of critically reflective work behavior (CRWB), an approach for work‐related informal learning, is important in order to gain more profound insight in the continuing development of health care professionals. Methods: A survey, developed to measure CRWB and its predictors, was distributed to veterinary professionals. The authors specified a model relating CRWB to a Perceived Need for Lifelong Learning, Perceived Workload, and Opportunities for Feedback. Furthermore, research utilization was added to the concept of CRWB. The model was tested against the data, using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The model was well represented by the data. Four factors that reflect aspects of CRWB were distinguished: (1) individual CRWB; (2) being critical in interactions with others; (3) cross‐checking of information; and (4) openness to new findings. The latter 2 originated from the factor research utilization in CRWB. The Perceived Need for Lifelong Learning predicts CRWB. Neither Perceived Workload nor Opportunities for Feedback of other practitioners was related to CRWB. Discussion: The results suggest that research utilization, such as cross‐checking information and openness to new findings, is essential for CRWB. Furthermore, perceptions of the need for lifelong learning are more relevant for CRWB of health care professionals than qualities of the workplace.

Development of critically reflective dialogues in communities of health professionals

Critically reflective dialogues (CRD) are important for knowledge sharing and creating meaning in communities. CRD includes different aspects: being open about mistakes, critical opinion sharing, asking for and giving feedback, experimentation, challenging groupthink and research utilisation. In this article we explore whether CRD aspects change over time, through a study of two dialogues each from six different communities of veterinary health professionals. Change was studied from the perspective of observations, through analysing transcripts of dialogues, and from the perspective of community members’ perceptions, through an evaluative discussion with members. The results showed that some communities became more open about mistakes, a finding that is related to an increase in trust. Other observed aspects of CRD seemed to be fairly stable over time. Community members perceived research utilisation and asking for and giving feedback to have been increased. From an analysis of perceptions of the community members it emerged that limited interaction could be associated with the epistemological conceptions of community members.

Assessing developmental space in teams

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to develop an instrument to assess the developmental space that teams create; examine whether creating more developmental space leads to greater satisfaction with team results; and decide which of three models best predicts perceived results. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a quantitative study of individuals (N 257). An instrument was designed to assess developmental space and was validated with a factor analysis. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine whether creating developmental space led to greater satisfaction with team results. Findings – This study confirms the four-factor structure of developmental space suggested by earlier research. Creating more developmental space is positively related to perceived team results. Practical implications – This research highlights the importance of creating developmental space and provides teams with an instrument to assess their developmental space as a starting point for improvement. Originality/value – The interactions teams use are crucial in explaining the effects of teamwork, but seem underexposed in team research. Creating developmental space is a relatively new concept, hitherto only researched qualitatively. This empirical study extends and endorses previous research on developmental space by providing a quantitative assessment.