Social Support System in Learning Network for lifelong learners: A Conceptual framework

Nadeem, D., Stoyanov, S., & Koper, R. (2009). Social support system in learning network for lifelong learners: A Conceptual framework [Special issue]. International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 19(4/5/6), 337-351.Learning Networks are favorable model for supporting self-directed learning for lifelong learners. Learners can themselves decide about their learning plans to learn at their own pace irrespective of place and time. However, such learners remain hidden from others in the Learning Network., which makes their learning detrimental and less effective. Bringing learners together would benefit them in sharing each others expertise and learn effectively by collaboration. We propose to tackle the problem of finding people in learning networks by developing a Social Support System (SoSuSy) prototype. This position paper presents a conceptual framework for designing SoSuSy in a Learning Network. Such a system connects the learner with other learners who are dealing with similar problem by using their combined skills and to increase their social interaction. We propose by using people’s profile on social network and the public text content they create (blogs and book-marking) supported by web 2.0 applications, to enhance the search for finding suitable people who match in their interests, competence and tasks. We present an informal learning scenario to justify the need for such a system in online distributed Learning Network.The work on this publication has been sponsored by the TENCompetence Integrated Project that is funded by the European Commission's 6th Framework Programme, priority IST/Technology Enhanced Learning. Contract 027087 [http://www.tencompetence.org