Knowledge management and e-learning in virtual learning community based on social network analysis

Abstract

Purpose It is particularly important to study the learner cognition based on information technology and change of learning environment in e-learning. Therefore, based on the combination of knowledge management and e-learning, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the basic rules and existing problems of virtual learning community (VLC). Design/methodology/approach In this study, a set of principles and basic framework of VLC was proposed, which could effectively instruct the construction of knowledge and collective wisdom development of VLC. Meantime, this paper revealed and constructed the theoretical framework and learning model for facilitating the advance of collective intelligence, described the main characteristics of collaborative knowledge building and traced the trajectory of convergence of collective intelligence and verified them through case studies and field studies. Findings The author analyzed the characteristics of VLC assisting knowledge construction and traced the trajectory of convergence of collective intelligence. In this way, the learners not only construct the meaning of knowledge in the process of participation from the edge to the center, but also complete the transformation from a green hand to an old hand. As a result, the learners form a sense of belonging to the community and complete the identity construction as a member of the community in the process of co-constructing the cultural tradition and value orientation of the community. Research limitations/implications The analysis of the framework is made relatively in general terms, and lacks of the concrete, practical analysis. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt the social network analysis method to carry out systematic research on the framework, so as to make the actual operation of the VLC more practical. Practical implications It is significant to adopt the construction of the research system and theoretical framework in building VLC so as to improve the learner’s abilities of knowledge building and make full use of the advantages of the VLC. Originality/value This paper revealed and constructed the theoretical framework and learning model for facilitating the advance of collective intelligence. Besides, it provides a model reference for the follow-up construction of a new collective learning model.