1. Potential of Social Software to support Learning Networks for Sustainable Development

2. Authors: Joop de Kraker, Open Universiteit Nederland Ron Cörvers, Open Universiteit Nederland Pieter Valkering, Maastricht University Martijn Hermans, e-linQ Christine Ruelle, Université de Liège

3. Presentation: Introduction Towards learning networks 2.0? Prototype design Cases: RCE-Network, Learn4SUN

4. Introduction: Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Knowledge triangle for (regional) sustainable development ResearchInnovation Education

5. Introduction: Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Knowledge triangle for regional sustainable development ResearchInnovation Education civil stakeholders policy makers etc.

6. Introduction: Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Sustainable development is a multi-actor process: exchange & integrate a diversity of types of knowledge & expertise perspectives interests  Joint Learning Process (mutual & collective)

7. Introduction: Regional Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Definition Learning Network Partnership of actors aiming at innovation through knowledge sharing and/or collaborative knowledge development

8. Introduction: Regional Learning Networks for Sustainable Development Examples Learning Network Intraregional (learning within a region): RCE: develop innovative approaches to education for sustainable development SUN: develop innovative approaches in sustainable urban development Interregional (learning between regions): RCE-network: exchange and share innovative approaches, learn from diversity

9. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Learning Networks for SD: Institutionalised, participants often representatives Face-to-face meetings Online social networks: Self-organizing, individual-based Virtual interactions

10. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Regional Learning Networks for SD: Institutionalised, participants represent organisations Face-to-face meetings Online social networks: Self-organizing, Individual-based Virtual interactions 70 million users 9 million users in NL (>50%) 500 million users

11. Web 2.0 - more creative - more participatory - more socializing Content (co-)creation: weblogs, wiki’s Voice: rating & review systems Profiling / socializing: sharing your identity, life Exchange / socializing: sharing media, taste Real-time communication: audio, video Information collection and filtering: news feeds

12. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Explore the potential of web 2.0 technologies to support learning networks for SD: stimulate participation & networking enhance interactivity & sharing foster creativity & collaboration support self-organisation

13. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Downes’ principles of effective learning networks Autonomy

14. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Downes’ principles of effective learning networks Autonomy Interactivity

15. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Downes’ principles of effective learning networks Autonomy Interactivity Diversity

16. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Downes’ principles of effective learning networks Autonomy Interactivity Diversity Openness

17. Towards Learning Networks 2.0? Consultation of regional SD practitioners: Blending of face-to-face and virtual interactions Quality assurance: “extended peer review” ? Continuity: shared interests, clear benefits

18. Case: Learn4SUN SUN partners: 5 cities/neighbourhoods; 4 universities; 5 public & private agencies goal at regional level: to develop a common strategy for sustainable neighbourhood development goals in neighbourhoods: economy, environment, social

19. Case: RCE-network SUN partners: 5 cities/neighbourhoods; 4 universities; 5 public & private agencies goal at regional level: to develop a common strategy for sustainable neighbourhood development goals in neighbourhoods: economy, environment, social

20. Case: Learn4SUN SUN: Euregional project in Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood Development Learn4SUN: web2.0 environment to support SUN as learning network

21. Case: Learn4SUN SUN project structure

22. Case: Learn4SUN SUN learning network - meetings - e-mail - intranet - website

23. Case: Learn4SUN Web 2.0 features to support SUN as learning network: –Easy translation of textual contributions –Co-creation of position papers with wiki’s –Rating & feedback for quality assurance –Profiles of participants for networking & matching expertise supply-demand –Blogs from action leaders & researchers –Online citizen groups for energy saving –Online citizen forums for monitoring Quality of Life –Feeds from other SUN-like initiatives –....

24. Case: Learn4SUN Elgg social networking platform Public website / portal Groups / communities Personal home page / user profile

25. Case: Learn4SUN Public website / portal Groups / communities Personal home page / user profile

26. Preliminary conclusions Potential of learning networks 2.0: –Shared interest: Quality of Life monitor (Energy) –Or: wait for next generation? Dilemma of learning networks 2.0: -non-hierarchic, user-centred, open regional innovation network Versus - hierarchic, interest-driven, closed regional power networks

27. THANK YOU!