Communities as Context Providers for Web-Based Learning

2011 ◽  
pp. 135-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana P. Afonso
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
Other Hand

This chapter addresses the use of communities as a context-creating approach forthe management of learning in virtual settings. It stresses the lack of consensusaround the concept of community, its recent deployment in the educationaldomain, and the extent to which the educational use of virtual settings has neg-lected the construction of appropriate learning contexts. On the other hand, itpoints to the existence of a large body of knowledge from areas such as organiza-tional learning, actor-network theory, sociology, constructivism, and learning com-munities that may help overcome the limitations of Web-based learning as it is cur-rently put into practice. The theory covered will offer a better understanding of therelationships between different concepts and trends and of learning communitiesas entirely new tools for contextual approaches to the management of learning invirtual settings.

Studying DNA

2014 ◽  
pp. 196-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Quinlan
Keyword(s):  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Scientific Practice ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Methodological Challenges ◽  
Feminist Thought ◽  
Intellectual Traditions

Feminist methodologies and Actor-Network Theory (ANT) have often been considered opposing theoretical and intellectual traditions. This chapter imagines a conversation between these seemingly divergent fields and considers the theoretical and methodological challenges that ANT and particular branches of feminist thought raise for the other. This chapter examines an empirical project that calls for an engagement with both ANT and feminist methodologies. Through the lens of this empirical project, four methodological questions are considered, which an alliance between ANT and feminist methodologies would raise for any research project: 1) Where do we start our analysis? 2) Which actors should we follow? 3) What can we see when we begin to follow the actors? 4) What about politics? The potential places where ANT and feminist methodologies can meet and mutually shape research on scientific practice and technological innovation are explored. In doing so, this chapter moves towards envisioning new intersections between feminist methodologies and ANT.

Conditions for Web-Based Learning with Real Events

2000 ◽  
pp. 1-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theo J. Bastiaens ◽  
Rob L. Martens
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
The Other ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Distance Training ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Self Study ◽  
The World ◽  
Professional Context

This chapter presents two converging developments. Traditionally, learning at schools or universities and working in a professional context were relatively separated. Companies often complain that students know a lot ‘facts’ but are not ‘competent.’ On the other hand at schools and universities students often complain that they can’t see the relevance of a certain subject. This chapter deals with the two converging worlds: traditional distance training (such as employed at for instance open universities all over the world) and in company training. ICT and competence-based education are bringing the two together, resulting in a combined working/learning mode, which we will describe as learning with real cases. This leads to more self-study or independent learning. Figure 1 presents an overview of the different facets of the tendency to learn with real cases. This chapter will start with a description of distance education since many things can be learned from this. Then, developments in the business or professional context will be presented. We will stress that there is a convergence leading to ‘learning with real cases’. After a description of this development, learning with real cases, as well as pitfalls and recommendations will be discussed.

Negotiating Meaning

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Fernando Abreu Gonçalves ◽  
José Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynaecology ◽  
Computer Mouse ◽  
Plastics Industry

Using an ANT approach based on Programs of Action the authors explore the description of innovation cases to discover internal referents that conveys their meaning. This paper revisits some old and well known histories like the application of ecography to obstetrics and gynaecology and the making and evolution of the computer mouse. Finally, the authors change from these localized cases of innovation to other histories on a more global frame, that is, the cases of two firms, one in the semi conductor industry, and the other in the mould for plastics industry. These descriptions are used as a way to research on the building of an ANT view for engineering innovations and wonder at the ability in which Actor-Network Theory (ANT) adapts and conciliates micro and macro worlds.

Applications of Actor-Network Theory in Media Studies

2017 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Markus Spöhrer
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Media Studies ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
International Research ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Related Research ◽  
Production Studies ◽  
The One

The chapter offers an international research overview of the possibilities and problems of applying Actor-Network Theory in Media Studies and media related research. On the one hand the chapter provides a summary of the central aspects and terminologies of Bruno Latour's, Michel Callon's and John Law's corpus of texts. On the other hand, it summarizes both theoretical and methodological implications of the combination of Actor-Network Theory and strands of Media Studies research such as discourse analysis, Production Studies and media theory.

scholarly journals An Actor Network Approach to Informing Clients Through Portals

10.28945/2935 ◽  
2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Tatnall ◽  
Bill Davey
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Statistical Effects ◽  
Alternative Theories ◽  
The Web

Portals are often seen as an appropriate method of informing clients. A problem of all web based solutions to informing clients is that the web is passive: clients must come to the web site. Approaches to research into use of portals are usually socio-technical, with common use of statistical techniques applied to survey results. Here we argue, informed by two detailed cases, that an actor network theory approach yields better results, more efficiently, when the case involves a number of small businesses being the clients. Alternative theories such as diffusion theories, based on the work of Rodgers and others, are more applicable when large, statistical effects are being anticipated.

Negotiating Meaning

2012 ◽  
pp. 117-131
Author(s):  
Fernando Abreu Gonçalves ◽  
José Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynaecology ◽  
Computer Mouse ◽  
Plastics Industry

Using an ANT approach based on Programs of Action the authors explore the description of innovation cases to discover internal referents that conveys their meaning. This paper revisits some old and well known histories like the application of ecography to obstetrics and gynaecology and the making and evolution of the computer mouse. Finally, the authors change from these localized cases of innovation to other histories on a more global frame, that is, the cases of two firms, one in the semi conductor industry, and the other in the mould for plastics industry. These descriptions are used as a way to research on the building of an ANT view for engineering innovations and wonder at the ability in which Actor-Network Theory (ANT) adapts and conciliates micro and macro worlds.

Applying Actor-Network Theory in Media Studies

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Markus Spöhrer
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Media Studies ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
International Research ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Related Research ◽  
Production Studies ◽  
The One

The chapter offers an international research overview of the possibilities and problems of applying actor-network theory in media studies and media-related research. On the one hand, the chapter provides a summary of the central aspects and terminologies of Bruno Latour's, Michel Callon's and John Law's corpus of texts. On the other hand, it summarizes both theoretical and methodological implications of the combination of actor-network theory and strands of media studies research such as discourse analysis, production studies, and media theory.

scholarly journals Actor-networks, a Project in Engineering Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 159-164
Author(s):  
José Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
Knowledge Area ◽  
Actor Networks ◽  
Traditional Approaches ◽  
Formulation Of Problems

Actor-network theory represents a way to look at things, very different from traditional approaches. Convinced that actor-networks can provide an excellent mindset to deal with innovation in engineering education we present a concise background on the topic oriented to this knowledge area. We deal with knowledge, learning, contexts, and actor networking within situated cooperative environments. We deal with the articulation of planned approaches and policies, providing ideas to explore contexts in which we can improve people’s involvement and design some innovative strategies and artifacts. We address the conciliation of sensibilities that normally wouldn’t be able to cooperate. We try to imagine a space of translations and negotiations that facilitate the formulation of problems as a combination of detours and extensions, constructing alignments to a goal

Exploring Gamification for Recruitment through Actor Network Theory

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-257
Author(s):  
Sonal Shree ◽  
Ardhendu Shekhar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Reference Point ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Theoretical Ground ◽  
Recruitment Process ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Organizational Purpose ◽  
The Right

This article examines the benefits of applying gamification in the recruitment process. It highlights how it can be effectively leveraged with the right design by involving various stakeholders at varied stages. The Actor Network Theory (ANT) as a theoretical ground has been used as a reference point to take a more detailed look at the ways in which gamification can be effectively deployed for recruitment by organizations. We refer to ANT and the interaction between the human and non-human elements, here, the applicants, the other stakeholders, and the gamification tools, to serve the greater organizational purpose. Questions that interrogate between rules and practices arise, viz. can the game be effectively customized to achieve sophisticated and enhanced selection outcomes. By applying gamification as the reference point within the Actor Network Theory, their associated potential for further research and applications is achieved. A valuable perspective in gaining insights for further understanding of this theory in today’s technologically progressive environment has also been discussed for further reflection.

scholarly journals The Politics of Explanation and Strategy of Description of Bruno Latour: How to Write Infra-reflexive Texts

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 186-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandr Shirokov
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Recording Device ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Meta Level ◽  
Specific Description ◽  
The World ◽  
The One ◽  
Textual Form

The article is an attempt to interpret Bruno Latour’s Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as a recording device or, in other words, as a way of translating the world into a textual form. In directly posing the question of what ANT is and what it means to be an actor-network theorist, the author shows that this, first of all, means writing specific texts. If we accept such a version of what ANT is, then the question is how Latour proposes to write texts. His strategy of description is based on a certain politics of explanation. Like any other politics, the politics of explanation is based on certain principles or credo; in this case, these principles are related to the influence of the semiotics, ethnomethodology, and results of what Latour called the anthropology of the modern. This text, on the one hand, analyzes how Latour selectively borrows elements of semiotics and ethnomethodology in developing his policy of explanation. On the other hand, the author shows how this politics of explanation is implemented in practice in a specific description strategy. The author concludes that Latour’s politics of explanation and the subsequent description strategy presupposes an average path between two extremes. The first extreme is the output to the meta level, and the second is the use of only the explanations of the actors themselves. This middle path consists of the development of certain principles of description that would not lead either to the replacement of the language of actors by the language of a sociologist, or to a simple repetition of the language of actors. The ANT infra-language does not say anything meaningful about the world, but, in a certain way, organizes a description of the world as it is as an empty template which must be re-applied each time. It is for this reason that it is possible for historical, ethnographic, and mixed ANT-research.

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