1. The Learning Center of
Lamar State College-Orange
presents . . .
online learning networks for knowledge sharing
and tutorials at a distance

2.  network = community
 a specialized “social” network
 relationships based on common
academic interests
 focus is LEARNING!

3. “The skill of networking should . . . be valued
in learning and is the essence of Internet-
based social networking environments.
That is, when students realize the value in
connecting with others in the learning
process, the better their learning will be.
Networking with experts, with peers, with
additional sources of information, and so
on makes the learning more interesting and
also more legitimate” (Reynard, 2008, p. 3).

4. academic and
social
bookmarking
and networking
for college and
allows students and teachers to
university
interact in real time within virtual
students and
classrooms , share content, and
their instructors
create/take practice tests
membership limited to anyone can join, basic
college/university students membership free, fee for
faculty/staff, no fee premium membership

5.  bookmark useful websites
 contribute to a user-created taxonomy of academic websites
 browse and search
 watch topics
 post and answer questions
 create and join groups
 Invite others to join
 send and receive messages

6. staff development student assistance
 create group for  encourage students
community college to register and
learning center create/join groups of
issues academic/career
 invite learning center interest
staff from other  serve as a research
institutions tool for students
 collect materials for  provide wide access
planning tutorials to peers and experts

7.  search for and view free tutorials, tests, and resources
 connect with experts and peers
 interactive virtual classrooms
 share documents (PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, video etc.)
 Video, audio, chat, interactive online whiteboard
 Tutorial for WiZiQ Virtual Classroom
 create/share content and tests
 recording/download of tutorials
 Premium vs. Free Features Comparison

8. staff development student assistance
 attend live tutorials  offer online tutorials
and view archived and quizzes created
recordings relevant by LC staff & LSC-O
to post-secondary faculty
learners and  Access free live
educational issues. tutorials, recordings,
 connect with fellow practice tests, and
educators and materials in a variety
experts of subjects

9. Participation in learning networks
enriches the teaching and learning
experience for all . . .
educators students
“Now, educational “For educational
networks are, bar none, institutions, cultivating
the most likely Web learners’ capabilities in
platform for facilitating exploring and exploiting
Contributing, knowledge from the
Collaborating, and unlimited resource in a
Connecting in the virtual learning community
meaningful way that can help them not only
educators have always learn more efficiently, but
also learn “how to learn”
looked for” (Hargadon,
in the digital age” (Chen et
n.d., p. 2).
al., 2009, p. 144).

10. Networks expand learning
opportunities beyond traditional
institutions
research
and
inquire
learn Network connect
without with peers
boundaries Learning and experts
Community
contribute
and
collaborate

11.  building
communities of
practice for staff
and students
 producing online
tutorials and
compiling libraries
of information
tailored to student
needs and
Welcome to the Learning Center (n.d.) interests
 eliminating
barriers to
learning

12. References
Chen, I., Chen, N., & Kinshuk. (2009). Examining the Factors Influencing Participants' Knowledge
Sharing Behavior in Virtual Learning Communities. Educational Technology & Society, 12(1), 134-
148. Retrieved from ERIC database.
Goldberg, M. (2008, July 20). The academic world in one site [Blog post]. Retrieved January 25, 2001,
from http://brainify.blogspot.com/2008/07/academic-world-in-one-site.html
Hargadon, S. (n.d.). Educational networking: The important role Web 2.0 will play in education.
Retrieved January 23, 2010, from
http://audio.edtechlive.com/lc/EducationalSocialNetworkingWhitepaper.pdf
Reynard, R. (2008, May 21). Social networking: Learning theory in action. T.H.E. Journal. Retrieved
January 23, 2010, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2008/05/21/Social-Networking-Learning-
Theory-in-Action.aspx?Page=3
Welcome to the Learning Center [Photo]. (n.d.) . Retrieved January 23, 2010, from
http://www.lamission.edu/learningcenter/
You, S. (2008, May 24). Tutorial for WiZiQ virtual classroom [Slide presentation]. Retrieved January 23,
2010, from http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/Stan-68312-tutorial-wiziq-virtual-
classroom-education-online-learning-onlinelearning-tutoring-undefined-entertainment-ppt-
powerpoint/